Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday presented a N1.18 trillion budget for 2025 to a factional state House of Assembly comprising only three lawmakers. This move mirrors last year’s decision when Fubara bypassed the 27-member faction loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, following escalating political tensions between the two.
The budget presentation, which took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was addressed to the three-man faction led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. The other members present included Deputy Speaker Adolphus Orubienimigha and House Leader Sokari Goodboy Sokari.
Fubara’s budget, labeled the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” seeks to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve the living standards of Rivers residents. The proposed budget allocates N462.25 billion for recurrent expenditure and N678.09 billion for capital expenditure, with a focus on infrastructural and human capital development. A total of nearly N31 billion has been earmarked for agricultural development and youth programs aimed at tackling unemployment.
In his address, the governor highlighted key allocations, including over N63 billion for education and N97.75 billion for health, with plans to complete ongoing infrastructure projects, including hospitals and roadworks. Fubara also proposed N15.4 billion for youth and gender empowerment, job creation, and sports development.
Speaker Oko-Jumbo praised the governor for achieving a N100 billion increase in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR), emphasizing that it reflects an attractive investment climate in Rivers State.
However, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, led by Chairman Tony Okocha, condemned the governor’s decision to present the budget to a factional assembly while excluding the pro-Wike lawmakers. The APC accused Fubara of flouting court orders related to the ongoing legal battle over the legitimacy of the House leadership.
Chibuike Ikenga, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, expressed concern that the governor’s actions undermine peacebuilding efforts and the rule of law, urging the state government to respect judicial decisions and await the Supreme Court’s final ruling on the matter.
