The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, has formally instructed Governor Siminalayi Fubara to halt all expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. This decision follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum for the governor to resubmit the 2024 budget, a demand made by lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
This ultimatum was part of the conditions set during a reconciliation meeting led by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between the factions supporting Wike and Fubara.
In 2023, Fubara had submitted an Appropriation Bill exceeding N800 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, which was quickly passed by a pro-Fubara faction of the Assembly. However, the Assembly, now led by Amaewhule, insists that Fubara has violated constitutional provisions by continuing to spend from the revenue fund without an approved budget.
During Monday’s session, House Leader Major Jack highlighted that Fubara’s actions contravene Sections 121 and 122 of the Nigerian Constitution. The Assembly unanimously condemned the governor’s disregard for constitutional norms and expressed support for the immediate cessation of expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Amaewhule criticized Fubara’s governance approach, stating, “It is unfortunate that the governor chooses to ignore constitutional provisions and court judgments.” The Assembly has resolved to notify Fubara about the suspension of all expenditures and to inform the Federal Government and relevant agencies to refrain from engaging with the Rivers State government until budget matters are resolved.
Efforts to contact Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, for a statement were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
In a related development, the G-23 group from Rivers State has urged federal lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere to refrain from interfering in state politics. The group accused Ugochinyere, who represents Imo State, of exacerbating the ongoing crisis and urged him to focus on issues affecting his own constituency.
Chief Tony Okocha, leader of the G-23 and APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State, condemned Ugochinyere’s involvement, stating that he has failed to address pressing issues like poor road conditions in his area.
Okocha also criticized comments from Zenith Labour Party Chairman Daniel Nwanyanwu, who warned President Tinubu about Wike’s presidential ambitions, labeling him a “serial political failure.”
The Assembly’s actions reflect the deepening political divide in Rivers State as both factions continue to vie for control and influence.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
