Rivers State’s political crisis deepened Friday as the State House of Assembly adjourned indefinitely, just a day after Governor Siminalayi Fubara proposed presenting his 2025 budget on March 19th. The indefinite suspension marks a significant escalation in the months-long power struggle between the executive and legislative branches in the oil-rich southern Nigerian state.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, made the decision during its 136th legislative sitting where lawmakers passed three bills that will be forwarded to the governor for assent. According to a statement from the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the House was “furthering one of its tripod functions” through this action.
Speaker Amaewhule explained the Assembly’s move as part of efforts to domesticate the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which he said “gave certain powers and privileges to the legislature in the performance of its function.” The timing of this indefinite adjournment, however, appears strategic as it effectively blocks the governor’s scheduled budget presentation next week.
Governor Fubara had formally written to the Assembly on March 13th, requesting to present the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, March 19th, or “any other date within March 2025” that the Speaker might find convenient. In his letter, Fubara emphasized that his decision to re-present the budget was “in compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment and in response to the request by the lawmakers.”
“It is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 by 11am, or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient,” Fubara wrote in his letter.
The indefinite suspension of the Assembly’s sitting now leaves the governor’s budget presentation plans in limbo, with no clear timeline for when the legislature might reconvene to consider the appropriation bill. The move is viewed by political analysts as a calculated maneuver to frustrate the governor’s fiscal plans for the state.
This latest development comes as part of a complex political crisis that has engulfed Rivers State for months. The conflict has its roots in the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and former political ally, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The Assembly, largely seen as loyal to Wike, has been at odds with Fubara since the political realignment began.
The budget impasse has further complicated governance in Rivers, with concerns growing about how the state will fund critical infrastructure projects and public services without an approved appropriation act. The state, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil production, requires a functioning budget to allocate resources effectively for development initiatives.
Constitutional experts suggest the governor may be faced with limited options. While some governors in similar situations have resorted to operating based on the previous year’s budget until a new one is approved, such approaches often lead to administrative challenges and potential legal complications.
The political standoff has also raised concerns among business leaders and investors about policy consistency and governance stability in the economically vital state. Several investment decisions have reportedly been put on hold as stakeholders await resolution of the crisis.
Civil society organizations have expressed dismay at the situation, with some calling for intervention from the federal government to resolve the impasse. Community leaders across Rivers have voiced concerns about the impact of the political crisis on local development projects and service delivery.
The people of Rivers State are the ultimate losers in this power tussle,” remarked a prominent civil society leader who requested anonymity. “Essential services and development projects are being sacrificed on the altar of political ambitions.”
The Supreme Court had previously ruled on aspects of the dispute, instructing both parties to respect constitutional boundaries and procedures. Governor Fubara’s reference to the Supreme Court judgment in his budget presentation letter suggests he is attempting to follow legal guidance in resolving the impasse.
As the situation stands, Rivers State faces an uncertain fiscal future. The governor must now decide whether to wait for the Assembly to reconvene, seek alternative legal remedies, or explore other administrative options to ensure the state’s finances remain operational.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that Rivers State, with its strategic oil resources and significant federal allocation, cannot afford prolonged administrative paralysis. The state’s economic activities contribute substantially to Nigeria’s GDP, making resolution of this crisis a matter of national economic interest.
What began as a political disagreement has evolved into a constitutional crisis with far-reaching implications for governance in one of Nigeria’s most economically significant states. Political observers note that similar crises in other states have sometimes resulted in federal interventions, though such measures remain a last resort under Nigeria’s federal system.
As stakeholders across Rivers State and beyond watch closely, the coming days will likely determine whether compromise can be reached or if the crisis will deepen further, potentially triggering additional legal and constitutional challenges.
