We Will Not Back Down-Lawmakers Speaks As Rivers Assembly Shuts Down Governor Fubara’s Expenditures

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has taken a bold step by shutting down all expenditures of Governor Siminalayi Fubara until he presents his budget before the lawmakers. This move comes after a seven-day ultimatum given to the governor to present his budget before the House expired.

According to Major Jack, the Leader of the House, “The seven-day ultimatum given to the governor to present the 2024 budget before the House has expired, and we have no choice but to shut down the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account to prevent further expenditure by the governor’s administration.

The Assembly’s decision was unanimous, with all members voting to shut down the account. This move is seen as a bold step by the Assembly to assert its constitutional powers and ensure that the governor is held accountable for his actions.

In a letter dated July 8, 2024, signed by Amaewhule and sent to Fubara, the House highlighted the governor’s actions that breached the Constitution. The letter stated, “Your failure to present the 2024 budget before the House is a clear breach of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.”

According to Punch, this development is the latest in the ongoing political crisis between the governor’s loyalists and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The crisis has led to repeated interventions to settle their differences, but it seems that the Assembly is determined to take a stand and assert its authority.

As one lawmaker noted, “This is a matter of principle, and we will not back down until the governor does the right thing. We owe it to the people of Rivers State to ensure that their resources are managed properly and in accordance with the law…..See_More