Rivers State is teetering on the brink of economic paralysis as the uncooperative stance of the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly continues to impede Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to implement the recent Supreme Court judgment affecting key governance functions.
Despite Governor Fubara’s public commitment to fully comply with the “controversial” February 28 Supreme Court verdict, which annulled recent local government elections and required a re-presentation of the 2025 budget, lawmakers have repeatedly blocked his attempts at compliance.
Twice in two weeks, the Governor formally notified the Assembly of his readiness to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, only to have his letters rejected, first by the Assembly staff and then by a courier company.
This forced the Rivers State Government to publish the Governor’s letter in national newspapers.
In a stunning move, the Amaewhule-led Assembly, instead of responding, adjourned indefinitely, plunging the state into legislative limbo.
With the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation directed to halt revenue allocations to the state until full compliance with the Supreme Court ruling is achieved, Rivers State faces an imminent financial crisis.
Civil servants, retirees, and contractors now stand at risk of unpaid salaries and halted services, as the state’s economy grinds to a halt.
The Fubara administration warns that unless the House reconsiders its actions, the people of Rivers will bear the brunt of a governance stalemate, risking unprecedented social, economic, and political upheaval.
Commissioner for Information, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, has called on the Assembly to end its political brinkmanship and cooperate with the Governor to steer the state away from disaster.
Stay with us for more updates on this developing story.
