Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has come under heavy criticism from the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his presentation of the 2025 state budget to an assembly deemed “illegal” by the opposition party. The APC has accused the governor of bypassing court rulings and governance protocols in what it calls a direct affront to the rule of law. The allegations are centered on the legality of the legislative body to which Fubara presented the N1.188 trillion budget.
Governor Fubara signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law on January 2, 2025, just three days after presenting it to a legislative body led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo. This followed an earlier approval of the bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly. However, the APC, led by its Chairman, Okocha, claims that Fubara’s actions violate a court ruling that invalidated the current legislature as a legitimate body.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Okocha expressed disbelief that a governor with such a significant background in governance and finance could allow the presentation to take place under what the party sees as an illegal assembly. Okocha pointed to a 2024 court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which mandated that the state budget should only be presented to a legislature led by Martins Amaewhule, the speaker recognized by law.
“It is unimaginable and unthinkable that a governor with such a rich background in finance and governance would choose to sidestep legal processes. The Assembly has 30 functional members, yet the budget was presented in a setting that courts have described as illegitimate,” Okocha remarked.
The APC also seized the opportunity to accuse Fubara of stoking division within the state. According to Okocha, the governor’s actions only deepened the political rift in the state instead of healing the wounds left by previous political conflicts.
“I expected the governor to use the new year to extend an olive branch and promote peace, but instead, he continues to fuel the flames of division,” Okocha added, expressing disappointment at the governor’s alleged refusal to broker peace with the members of the legislative assembly loyal to the APC.
Despite these allegations, Governor Fubara remains resolute in his stance. He defended the legitimacy of the assembly headed by Oko-Jumbo, asserting that the defection of several members to the APC, led by Amaewhule, did not alter the legal framework. Fubara insisted that the legislature recognized by the law and functioning according to constitutional stipulations is the one led by Oko-Jumbo.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fubara emphasized that his administration had taken all necessary steps to ensure stability and governance in the state. “I want to say this may be for some people somewhere who are still mixing up issues. We have only one Assembly and that Assembly is headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo,” he declared.
In a vivid metaphor, Fubara likened the departure of some assembly members to a failed journey that could not be reversed. He further stated, “A group of friends about nine months ago embarked on what is called a sea-bared journey, halfway, the vessel while they were coasting, they realized that they were entering the den of devils and sharks and now wanted to retreat. It is too late, and the truth is that we are not going back. We have given them enough room for peace.”
The budget signing marked a critical moment for Fubara, as it signaled the official commencement of the governor’s 2025 fiscal plans. The governor outlined his commitment to addressing key priorities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He pledged that his administration would build on the previous year’s successes and achieve even greater progress in the coming year.
“We will make sure that we kick-start, so that the record of performance that was accorded by this administration in the year 2024 will be higher in this year, 2025,” Fubara affirmed, further emphasizing his resolve to continue delivering on promises made to the people of Rivers State.
The governor also expressed appreciation for his team and the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He thanked the legislature for their role in ensuring the swift passage of the budget and commended various government officials for their work in 2024.
“We expect you to do more because we have a bigger task ahead of us. We have made some promises to our people. Education, Health, and Agriculture; we must make sure we make a good impact just like we have done in the areas of roads and other aspects of the economy. We made a promise to you (Rivers people) that we will continue to protect, defend and promote the interest of our dear State,” Fubara emphasized.
In response, Speaker Oko-Jumbo lauded the governor’s leadership, praising his administration for its significant strides in sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, social welfare, and security. Oko-Jumbo highlighted Fubara’s administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Rivers State residents, including the payment of Christmas bonuses and the introduction of minimum wage increases for civil servants.
“Your Excellency, 2025 promises to be a year of strategic planning and partnership. We have no doubt that you will carry out the task of developing and delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of Rivers State. So, Your Excellency, on behalf of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, we want to say thank you for being the People’s Governor, and thank you for the strategic partnership with the Legislature,” Oko-Jumbo concluded.
Despite the celebrations surrounding the passage of the budget, tensions remain high between the governor and the APC. The opposition party’s accusations of an illegal budget presentation underscore the ongoing political struggle for control of the state’s governance. As the Rivers State government moves forward with its ambitious plans for 2025, the political conflict between the APC and the PDP remains far from resolved. The question remains whether the ongoing disputes will overshadow the governor’s developmental goals for the year.