In a dramatic turn of events, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has taken a bold step by shutting down all budget expenditures for the state government. This move comes after Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to re-present the controversial 2024 annual budget before the House, despite a seven-day ultimatum that expired on July 15, 2024.
The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, with the Amaewhule-led House insisting on its authority to approve the budget, despite Governor Fubara's earlier dismissal of the faction as "unrecognized by law." The House's decision to shut down budget expenses has significant implications for the state's governance and public services.
The roots of this crisis can be traced back to a court ruling that validated Amaewhule's leadership and the membership of his faction, leading to a presidential peace pact that aimed to resolve the political impasse. However, Governor Fubara had already submitted the budget to a different faction of the Assembly, led by former Speaker Edison Ehie, now the Chief of Staff.
The situation is further complicated by the appeal filed by the Oko-Jumbo-led faction at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Appeal Court judgment that set aside earlier rulings in their favour.
As tensions rise, the people of Rivers State are caught amid a political showdown, with uncertainty surrounding the state's budget and governance.