Again, Fubara ignores pro-Wike lawmaker, to present Rivers 2025 Budget to Victor Oko-Jumbo-Led Assembly

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has disclosed plans to present the state’s 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

News360 Nigeria reports that the Governor had last year presented the 2024 budget to the 3-man Assembly loyal to him despite protest by the other 27 members, who are loyalists of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

But speaking on Saturday, the governor noted that the state government would continue to collaborate with the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly to improve the lives of Rivers residents, highlighting the positive relationship between the executive and legislative branches, as demonstrated in the screening of nominees and the prompt passage of executive bills.

Fubara made this statement at the official commissioning of two ultra-modern community town halls and the launch of a tertiary scholarship and empowerment programme by the Speaker at Akiama and Aganya communities in Bonny Local Government Area.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Edison Ehie, Fubara said, “The government and the people of Rivers State heartily congratulate you and thank you for being a good ambassador of the Ibani Kingdom. We assure you that, as the executive arm, while the legislative arm remains independent, we will continue to collaborate to ensure prosperity for our people.

“I thank you, Mr Speaker, for your support to the Rivers State government, as seen in your cooperation. The Speaker has facilitated the screening of caretaker committee chairmen, expedited executive requests, and will soon play a vital role in enacting the 2025 budget.”

Fubara added that the Speaker’s focus on constituency projects reflects his role as an elected representative, contrasting it with the inaction of 25 former lawmakers he described as “Abuja-based politicians.”

He continued, “Constituency projects are a testament to elected representatives’ commitment to their people. Meanwhile, the 25 former Assembly members who dismissed themselves — have they initiated any projects? Do we see them inspecting or commissioning anything? These are Abuja-based politicians!”

The governor commended the Speaker for establishing the town halls, providing financial empowerment to 100 Bonny indigenes, and awarding tertiary scholarships to 30 Bonny students.

In his remarks, the Speaker thanked the people of Bonny for their support for the 10th Assembly and expressed confidence in his backing of the governor.

He stressed that the Assembly would stay focused despite opposition from “enemies of the state” or the 25 former members.

Oko-Jumbo revealed that the 2025 budget would soon be presented to the 10th Assembly and confirmed that Bonny Local Government would be included in upcoming infrastructure projects.

He added, “We will continue working tirelessly to ensure Bonny Kingdom’s development. Many needs remain, but as the Speaker, I assure you that the 2025 budget, which will soon be presented by His Excellency, will include Bonny Local Government.”