• I’m not scared of anything, says Fubara
• Rivers Assembly: Presents 2025 Budget within 48 hours
The crisis of confidence between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule- led Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a new dimension as both sides have now engaged in divergent views with harsh words, despite the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court over political crisis rocking the oil rich state.
Taking a jab at Amaewhule-led Assembly, Fubara has disclosed that he is not scared of anything, saying that the worst thing to happen is to leave the office while reiterating his commitment to leadership and fearlessness in the face of political challenges.
But the Amaewhule-led Assembly has read a riot act to Fubara, asking him to present the 2025 Budget within 48 hours or face unpleasant consequences.
Speaking on Monday while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters reconstructed by his administration along Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara emphasized his resolve to stand firm in making crucial decisions for the state.
Fubara, who spoke in a defiant manner at the event, said, “Inasmuch as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worse that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?
He further urged the people of Rivers State not to be discouraged by the recent Supreme Court judgment but to remain steadfast and prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Rivers Governor also assured the people that, despite any setbacks, divine support would guide them through.
He said, “Our back is not on anybody; it is on God. I want to thank you for your support and assure you that, if there is one person on this planet earth that will continue to stand by you, I will be that person.”
Governor Fubara further assured the people that his leadership would be characterized by honour, respect, and integrity, saying that his actions today would be ones he could defend decades from now.
He said, “I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
But Fubara stressed that Rivers people must now take their destinies into their own hands, stating that the time had fully come for them to stand firm against adversaries and external influences attempting to manipulate the state’s affairs.
The Governor, who clarified that he had never subscribed to violence or asked people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration would not look away when haters of the state struggle to unleash violence in the state.
He said, “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands.
“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”
Fubara also pointed to why it had to be on record and known by everybody that the interest of Rivers State remained his top priority, emphasising that he would not hesitate to pay the supreme price, if it is so required.
But he noted that his strength is in the supreme God and all Rivers people who love the state, and are interested in its progress and peace, counselling them to know that there is honour and glory in fighting gallantly, being on the side of truth.
Fubara cited the Holy Scripture, quoting Philippians 3 verse 18-19, which said: “For as I have often told you before, and now, I tell you again, even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, and their god is in their stomach, and their glory is in their shame, their mind is set on earthly things only.”
He then explained; “Just like the word said, we are not after our stomach, we are after the joy of our people, that at the end of the day, what will count for us is the lives that we have touched genuinely, the legacy we leave that will speak for us, that will open doors for our children, the generations yet unborn.
“Knowing that and having that in mind, it spurs us, it forces me, as a person, to stand on the side of right, to do good, to stand on the side of truth that even if anybody calls me tomorrow, I should be bold to defend my actions.”
Commenting on the project, Fubara expressed delight that his administration was foresighted to have conceived the project, executed it, and by the special grace of God, was dedicating it to the glory of God for use by the workers.
He said, “Here is a legitimate, purpose-driven governance in Rivers State, and we are here to display, genuinely, not because of our own selfish interest, one of those things that this government has done to show that we appreciate, understand the need, and must continue to do what is right for our people.
“When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated building, completely unhabitable. We felt we must add value, which is the basis of our governance, to what we met, and we decided that, look, our staff can’t be living in uncomfortable place, they can’t leave like animals while I leave in big comfortable place.
“How would I get efficiency from my workers if they are not happy, and the government decided to embark on this project. I am happy that the contractor delivered it within the time limit.”
In his address at the event, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Edison Ehie thanked the Governor for embarking on the reconstruction of the project, and for tastefully furnishing the facility to make living comfortable for workers.
Providing the project description, Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Chukwuma Ndudi Augustine, said the project was awarded on June 6, 2024 to Monier Construction Company (MCC), while the staff of the government will have a more comfortable accommodation that will impact positively on their productivity.
He said: “The Government House Staff Quarters has 6 numbers of two bedroom, 11 numbers of one bedroom, 11 numbers of Boys Quarters. Hostel A has 32 bed spaces, Hostel B has 30 bed spaces. There is canteen, cafeteria, gymnasium – fitness centre where staff will be exercising themselves, mini basketball court, a soundproof power generating plant, and water tank. The contract is completed, and the contract sum fully paid.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers Assembly has given Governor Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers.
The Martin Amaewhule- led Rivers Assembly made this known during its first plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday after the Supreme Court’s judgment which directed its immediate sitting without any hinderance.
The motion for the presentation of the 2025 Budget by Fubara was moved by the deputy speaker, Hon Dumle Maol.
“That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” the lawmakers said in a resolution signed by Amaewhule.
“That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours,” the Rivers Assembly added.
In his remarks, Amaewhule condemned the Fubara’s directive to the heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the councils, saying it is illegal and against the Supreme Court’s decision.
The lawmakers also drew the governor’s attention to “the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended; the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2023 as well as the Judgement of the Supreme Court in Suit No.: SC/CV/343/2024 that prohibits the administration of Local Governments by HLGAs or any other persons other than democratically elected officials”.
The House further resolved to go on recess by Friday because they have been working for the past two years nonstop.
Incidentally, there was no mention of the 2024 budget during plenary by the lawmakers.
Governor Fubara had on January 2, signed a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 Budget into law after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers.
But the Supreme Court had last Friday directed Amaewhule and the group of lawmakers he is leading to resume sitting as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
