The Rivers State political stage is once again set for high-stakes drama as Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the state’s House of Assembly, currently led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. This marks Fubara’s second budget presentation since taking office in May 2023, against the backdrop of lingering political and legislative turbulence.
The Speaker of the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, confirmed the development during a plenary session on Monday. “Governor Fubara has officially requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. We are ready to receive it,” he announced to lawmakers.
A Legacy of Legislative Crises
Fubara’s first budget presentation in 2024 was steeped in controversy, involving a fractured legislature and legal battles that questioned the legitimacy of the Assembly leadership. At the time, the Governor presented his inaugural budget to an Assembly recognized by the court as valid, consisting of only four members led by Edison Ehie.
The 2024 budget presentation followed a mass defection of 27 members from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including then-Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Their defection plunged the Rivers State legislature into chaos.
Judicial intervention played a pivotal role in shaping the Assembly’s trajectory. The Federal High Court and the Appeal Court nullified the N800 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill passed under Oko-Jumbo’s leadership, citing procedural irregularities. These rulings effectively froze the bill’s implementation and delayed federal allocations to the state, a decision later reversed by the appellate court.
Oko-Jumbo’s Leadership and Constitutionality
Victor Oko-Jumbo’s emergence as Speaker and the legitimacy of his Assembly remain contentious. The trio of Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Timothy, and Sokari Goodboy argue that Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) supports their position. This constitutional provision allows for the self-execution of a lawmaker’s seat forfeiture in cases of defection without a crisis in their parent party.
“We have carried out our duties in line with the constitution,” said Oko-Jumbo, defending the Assembly’s operations. “The courts have not invalidated our leadership, and we remain committed to the development of Rivers State.”
However, the defected lawmakers, who have since returned to the PDP, challenge this narrative. Martin Amaewhule, reinstated as Speaker by judicial rulings, leads sessions opposing Fubara’s administration and its policies.
Federal Interventions and Political Maneuvering
The crisis has drawn attention at the federal level, with President Bola Tinubu stepping in to mediate. While details of the mediation remain under wraps, one significant outcome was the resignation of Edison Ehie, who now serves as Chief of Staff in the Government House.
Despite these interventions, both factions of the Assembly claim legitimacy, creating an impasse that has hampered legislative processes and governance.
The Stakes of the 2025 Budget Presentation
The upcoming 2025 budget presentation is a critical test for Fubara’s administration. Analysts say it will either deepen the legislative rift or pave the way for reconciliation.
The nullification of the 2024 budget has placed immense pressure on the government to ensure the 2025 Appropriation Bill adheres to legal and procedural standards. Any misstep could lead to further legal entanglements, exacerbating Rivers State’s fiscal woes.
Civil society groups and political analysts have called on both factions to prioritize governance over politics. “Rivers people are tired of these power plays,” said Emeka Ogbonna, a political analyst based in Port Harcourt. “It’s time for lawmakers and the Governor to work together for the benefit of the state.”
Future Implications
As Rivers State navigates this legislative storm, the stakes remain high for Governor Fubara, the Assembly, and the state’s citizens. The 2025 budget presentation will not only determine the direction of governance but also serve as a litmus test for the resilience of Rivers State’s democratic institutions.
While the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly prepares to welcome the Governor, the Amaewhule faction continues to mount its opposition. Legal experts warn that without clear judicial resolution, the state may face prolonged instability.
“Governance cannot thrive in an environment of uncertainty,” noted legal analyst Nkechi Chukwu. “The courts must provide definitive rulings to settle this crisis once and for all.”
