PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned its plenary indefinitely, barely 24 hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara requested a new date to present the 2025 appropriation bill.
The decision was reached during a plenary session at the assembly quarters in Port Harcourt on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Governor’s Request and Supreme Court Order
Governor Fubara, in a letter dated March 13, formally proposed March 19, 2025, or any other convenient date within the month for lawmakers to receive the state budget.
This marked the second notice sent to the assembly after the Supreme Court ruling on February 28, which directed the presentation of the budget to the legislature.
However, the sudden adjournment of the Amaewhule-led faction raises fresh concerns over the timeline for the budget’s passage and the broader governance implications in Rivers State.
Escalating Political Tensions
The indefinite adjournment comes amid an ongoing standoff between the executive and legislative branches.
On March 12, Fubara and members of his cabinet were prevented from accessing the Rivers Assembly quarters to present the 2025 budget, further fueling political tensions.
Observers say the assembly’s refusal to sit and receive the budget despite a Supreme Court directive could worsen the already fragile relationship between the governor and lawmakers, potentially stalling governance in the state.
Calls for Dialogue and Resolution
With governance at a standstill, stakeholders, political analysts, and civil society groups are calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Many have urged both sides to prioritise governance, development, and the welfare of Rivers State residents over political interests.
As tensions continue to mount, all eyes remain on how the impasse will be resolved, and whether the governor and lawmakers can find common ground to ensure the state’s budgetary and legislative processes proceed without further disruption.
