Fubara Delaying Supreme Court Judgment Implementation, Frustrating Us – Rivers Assembly

Rivers State Assembly accuses Governor Fubara of stalling the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling, causing political tensions in the state.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has charged Governor Siminialayi Fubara with hindering the execution of the Supreme Court’s ruling, especially in relation to resubmitting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The lawmakers encouraged the public to urge the governor to adhere to due process when presenting the budget, instead of resorting to public theatrics aimed at vilifying them.

On Sunday in Port Harcourt, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Assembly Spokesperson, urged Governor Fubara to provide a receipt-confirmed copy of the letter he alleged was sent to the Assembly.

George mentioned that the previous week, they were informed about the governor making a stop at the House of Assembly Quarters gate for a press interview while on his way to Ogoni for an event. During this interview, the governor reportedly stated he had sent a letter to the House expressing his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill. However, George found this surprising because no such letter had been received by their office.

He went on to criticize the assertion that the letter had been sent through WhatsApp, describing it as unprofessional and embarrassing.

George claims that the governor has consistently ignored efforts by the Assembly to address the ongoing crisis after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

He stated, “Following the recent Supreme Court ruling on our state’s budget, it became essential for His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, to submit the appropriation bill to the legislature for review and approval.”

He claimed that attempts to contact the governor faced obstacles, such as the refusal of official correspondence and even an alleged assault on Assembly staff who were trying to deliver a letter to Government House.

The lawmaker further alleged that the governor instructed ministries, agencies, and departments to sever communication with the legislature.

George emphasized that the Governor needs to remember that the House of Assembly is not merely an extension of the executive branch, and its members are neither his slaves nor subordinates. He cited the constitutional principle of separation of powers in his statement.

He remembered the Supreme Court’s pointed comments on governance in Rivers State, cautioning that the governor’s purported methods could jeopardize the state’s democratic process.

George described the situation as unbearable, expressing sorrow over how the crisis has affected lawmakers.

“We have experienced a nightmare: Our sacred hall was destroyed by the governor. The House of Assembly Complex was completely demolished, along with our personal items and belongings… Our Speaker’s home faced a vicious assault. The governor relentlessly invaded our living quarters. Additionally, we’ve been denied our allowances for approximately eighteen months,” he stated.

Despite the challenges faced, George asserted that lawmakers remained dedicated to advancing the state. He urged the governor to prioritize decisions that benefit the people of Rivers, stressing the importance of paying pensioners, teachers, and healthcare workers who rely on government support.

In response, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Barrister Joseph Johnson, rejected the Assembly’s allegations. He remarked that the lawmakers consistently deny anything related to the governor. Additionally, he questioned how they could assert not having received a letter that was already publicly available.