It has been 48 hours since the Rivers State House of Assembly gave Governor Sim Fubara an ultimatum to present the 2025 state budget.

But the House of Assembly may have to wait much longer, as the State Government claims it’s waiting for the copy of the Supreme Court judgment before taking steps for its implementation.

A statement from the Secretary to the Rivers State government gives two reasons for the House’s non-compliance with the ultimatum. One is the non-receipt of any letter from the House of Assembly on the subject matter. Two is waiting for a copy of the Supreme Court judgment.

The Secretary to the State Government in a letter to the Right Honourable Speaker dated 6th of March 2025, titled Re; Resolutions of the Rivers State House of Assembly Pursuant to the Judgement of the Supreme Court, wrote:
I hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March 2025 on the above subject, which we came across on social media and notify you that:

1. As at the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the Governor, nor the Deputy Governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the State has received the said letter.

2. Please, recall that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, had in a State Broadcast on Sunday, 2nd March, 2025, stated clearly that notwithstanding his personal opinion on the Supreme Court Judgments, he will, as a law-abiding Nigerian, obey and implement their decisions in accordance with the rule of law and the best interest of the people of Rivers State.

3. We have since been in contact with our lawyers who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement the same timeously in the best interest of our people.

Please, accept the esteemed regards of His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State. It was signed by Chief Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, DSSRS, Secretary to the State Government.

The state governor, in a broadcast on Sunday, had assured the Rivers people that he would study the judgement and ensure compliance. According to him, “ We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.

“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process and rule of law.

While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberate to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance. Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them Friday, March 7, 2025.

“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward. Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Personnel Management to immediately take over the administration of the 23 Local Government Councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

“I further direct the outgoing local government Chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Personnel Management by Monday, March 3, 2025.

“Although, our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens. Thank you and God bless Rivers State

At the commissioning of projects in the state on Monday, Governor Funara had further declared “I am not scared of anything. The worst that can happen is that I leave office. Am I leaving the earth? Will it stop me from existing?”

The game of wits between the two warring factors has continued unabated with both sides taking steps to gain political control. One of which is the governor’s camp intention to conduct another local government election. The other camp is also making moves to amend the state local government law.

Rivers Plan Another Local Government Election, RSIEC Unveils New Guidelines
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has scheduled a general stakeholders meeting to unveil the timetable and guidelines for the 2025 Local Government Elections in the state.

The meeting, set for Wednesday, March 5, 2025, will take place at RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt, by 2:00 PM prompt.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner, Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), key stakeholders expected at the meeting include leaders of registered political parties, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious organizations, media representatives, professional organizations, civil society groups, NGOs, community-based groups, and the electorate.

The highlight of the event will be the official presentation of the election timetable and guidelines, setting the stage for the upcoming Local Government Elections across Rivers State.

All invited stakeholders have been urged to be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 2:00 PM sharp to ensure a smooth and timely engagement.

Existing Order Relocating Sitting of Rivers State House of Assembly

Suddenly, there has surfaced a reminder of the Executive Order on the temporary relocation of the State House of Assembly.

AN EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR THE TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF THE SITTINGS OF THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY .

“Now therefore, I, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State this 30th day of October,2023 pursuant to the powers vested in me under the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) hereby ISSUE, ORDER AND DIRECT that all proceedings and businesses of the Rivers State House of Assembly shall temporarily take place at the auditorium, admin block , Government House , Portharcourt until the repairs , renovation and reconstruction of the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly are completed”.