Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara submitted an N1.188 trillion budget for 2025 to a three-member section of the state parliament, sparking objections from supporters of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This difficult budget presentation has revived political tensions in the state, with Fubara continuing to ignore the bigger assembly loyal to Wike.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has been in political turmoil since October 2023, when 27 Wike supporters defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This defection was accompanied by a deterioration in ties between Fubara and Wike, who were formerly comrades.
The legislature became factionalized, with Fubara refusing to acknowledge the authority of pro-Wike legislators headed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.In December 2023, Fubara survived an impeachment attempt coordinated by these politicians, exacerbating the split. Rivers State's political environment has since been marked by allegations of criminality and power conflicts.
On December 30, 2024, Fubara submitted the budget plan to a factional parliament headed by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. This assembly has three members: Oko-Jumbo, Deputy Speaker Adolphus Orubienimigha, and House Leader Sokari Goodboy Sokari. The "Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development" intends to stimulate economic development and raise living conditions in Rivers State.
Budget Breakdown
The projected budget allocates:
Recurrent expenditure: N462.25 billion.
Capital expenditure: N678.09 billion.
Planning Reserve: N35.69 billion.
Closing Balance: N12.93 billion
Fubara said that this budget will be supported by various sources, including the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and other statutory allocations.
The presentation provoked instant protests from Wike supporters, who called Fubara's actions unlawful. The opposition APC condemned the budget presentation as unlawful, claiming that Fubara's failure to interact with the legitimate parliament threatens democratic ideals in Rivers State.
Wike has been open about his discontent with Fubara's government. As the current Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, he continues to wield power in Rivers politics and has promised to legally oppose Fubara's choices.
Fubara's budget plan focuses on key sectors such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. He announced large expenditures in road building as well as social development projects aimed at empowering youth and creating jobs.
Fubara claimed that Rivers State's domestically produced income has grown significantly, with a projected rise of more than N300 billion in 2024 compared to prior years. This cash increase is critical for financing the ambitious initiatives proposed in the 2019 budget.
Rivers State's continuing political upheaval creates hurdles to efficient government. With court fights looming over the validity of both the assembly and Fubara's proposed budget, parties are anxious about possible interruptions to government operations.
As both groups prepare for what might be a protracted war for control and legitimacy, Rivers State residents keep a careful eye on events. The conclusion of this political battle will have far-reaching implications for regional governance and development endeavors.
While Governor Fubara's budget intends to promote growth and development in Rivers State, it is overshadowed by major political struggle and resistance from Wike's camp, creating concerns about its execution and efficacy in light of current legislative power issues.
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