Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defended his decision to present the 2025 budget to three lawmakers, insisting that the 27 members of the State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had forfeited their legislative seats permanently.
Governor Fubara, embroiled in a political feud with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, stated that there was no legal pathway for the defected lawmakers to reclaim their seats.
“They embarked on what I call a misguided journey, only to realize midway that they were heading into troubled waters. It is too late to turn back now. The integrity of governance in Rivers State is our priority, and we have moved on,” Fubara declared after signing the N1.1 trillion 2025 budget at the State House in Port Harcourt.
Acknowledgement of Legitimate Assembly
Fubara dismissed allegations of a factionalized Assembly, affirming that the legislative body led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo remains the legitimate authority.
“For clarity, we have only one Assembly in Rivers State, and it is headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo. Any claims to the contrary are baseless,” he asserted.
Focus on State Development
The governor pledged to remain committed to the development of Rivers State and enhancing governance integrity. He emphasized plans to surpass the administration’s 2024 achievements by focusing on critical sectors, including education, healthcare, and agriculture.
“We will ensure that the remarkable progress recorded in 2024 is not only sustained but surpassed in 2025. Our administration remains dedicated to protecting, defending, and promoting the interests of Rivers people,” he said.
Fubara expressed gratitude to members of the State Executive Council, including the Deputy Governor, Commissioners for Finance and Budget, and the acting Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Board, for their contributions to the administration’s success.
Legislative Support and Infrastructure Growth
Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo praised Governor Fubara for fostering a strong partnership between the executive and legislative branches, which he credited for driving unprecedented growth in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
“Under your leadership, Rivers State has witnessed remarkable transformation across key sectors. We are confident that 2025 will be a year of strategic development and fulfillment of promises to Rivers people,” Oko-Jumbo said.
The governor and Speaker jointly expressed optimism that the state would continue to witness significant advancements in delivering the dividends of democracy.
