Northern group asks Fubara to retract Rivers 2025 budget

Governor Fubara recently signed the N1.188 trillion Rivers State 2025 budget into law, purportedly submitted on December 30, 2024, by a three-member Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. The body in a statement signed by its National President, Bature Haruna, and the FCT Coordinator, Mark Okpanachi Ogah, said Fubara’s action defies the judiciary’s recognition of Amaewhule as the legitimate speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and undermines democratic processes and principles. They called on the Governor to respect judicial rulings and uphold the constitution to restore public confidence in his administration. The body also advised Fubara to abide by and respect the reconciliation intervention proffer by President Bola Ahmed, saying: “In a democracy, no leader is above the law.

Governance must be based on legality, the principle of separation of powers and transparency.”Governor Fubara must realign his actions to reflect these principles for the good of Rivers State and its people.”Furthermore, Martin Amaewhule and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are loyal to His Excellency Nyesom Wike and form part of his political structure. Not recognizing them, as directed by the court rulings, is unacceptable and unfortunate, especially for such disloyalty to come from a state executive like Governor Fubara who is expected to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles. “Governor Fubara must not forget the vital role played by His Excellency Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, in his political ascent to power “Wike stood firmly behind Fubara during his nomination, even when opposition came from his kinsmen. Additionally, Wike shielded Fubara from allegations of financial misconduct, placing his trust in him at critical political moments. “It is, therefore, disheartening that Governor Fubara has chosen to betray his benefactor by attempting to dismantle the political structure built by Wike.

“This ungratefulness is not only morally unacceptable but also politically destabilizing.”The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence remain steadfast in promoting peace, justice, and unity in Nigeria. We urge Governor Fubara to prioritize the rule of law and reconciliation to preserve democracy and ensure sustainable development in Rivers State. “The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence is using this medium to thank Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his genuine intervention for all parties to respect the rule of law and maintain a Peaceful resolution to this Rivers State political debacle. “We in Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence are also thanking the President for signing the establishment of the North Central Development Commission into law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/northern-group-asks-fubara-to-retract-rivers-2025-budget/

Date: 8Feb25