Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has signed the 2025 Budget, totaling ₦1.1 trillion, into law.
Speaking after the signing on Thursday, January 2, 2025, Fubara praised the State Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, for their diligence in reviewing and approving the budget.
He also reaffirmed that the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly is the only legitimate legislative body in Rivers State.
The governor’s remarks came a week after he presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.
During the event, he declared that Martins Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are no longer recognized as members of the legislature, regardless of their recent attempts to reverse their defection.
Amaewhule and his group, known for their allegiance to former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been at odds with Fubara.
The governor stated that despite allowing them time to reconsider, the decision to disqualify them is final.
Fubara criticized the level of disrespect he has faced, noting that no governor in Nigeria has endured similar challenges.
Despite this, the governor said he remains focused on achieving significant progress for Rivers State.
He said the newly signed budget, comprising 12 sections, outlines expenditures for the state up to December 31, 2025.
KanyiDaily recalls that in October 2024, the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified the N800 billion budget passed by five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Edison Ehie.