The Rivers State Government has responded to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Fubara in a statement clarified that it would not comply with the directive, as it had yet to receive an official letter formally conveying the summons.
Recall that the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, had on Monday, during its plenary session, gave the governor 48 hours to submit the bill in line with a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The verdict had implications for the state’s budget process, prompting the Assembly’s action.
The House immediately communicated its decision to the governor in a letter dated March 3rd and signed by Amaewhule.
The ultimatum expired today, Wednesday.
But the state government in a letter addressed to the Honourable Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly dated March 5th, said it had not received the said resolutions of the Assembly.
The letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said its response was based on a letter it came across on the social media.
The government said, “As at the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the governor nor the deputy governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the state has received the the said letter”.
The government told the House that the governor had in his state broadcast on March 2nd said notwithstanding his personal opinion on the Supreme Court judgement he would as a law-abiding citizen obey and implement the decisions in accordance with the rule of law and in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
The letter added, “We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgement of the Supreme Court and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as his Excellency receives the judgement, he will strive to implement same in the best interest of our people”