The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2025....Read Full Article >>➤
Appropriation Bill to only three members of the State House of Assembly, calling it illegal and a breach of established governance protocols.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, APC Chairman Tony Okocha criticised the governor’s action, labelling it a violation of judicial pronouncements and legislative processes. Naija News reports that Governor Fubara had earlier presented a ₦1.18 trillion budget estimate for the 2025 fiscal year to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the Assembly loyal to him. However, Okocha argued that this move contravened a January 2024 court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate body for such proceedings.
Okocha said, “It is unimaginable and unthinkable that a governor with such a rich background in Finance and Governance would choose to sidestep legal processes. “The Assembly has 30 functional members, yet thebudget was presented in a setting that courts have described as illegitimate.”
Okocha highlighted his experience as Chief of Staff between 2012 and 2015, during which he witnessed multiple budget presentations.
He expressed dismay that the governor chose to bypass the larger legislative body, adding that such actions undermine the integrity of governance in a prominent state like Rivers.
“At least, he has seen the presentation of the budget, and I want to avail you people of the opportunity of the fact that I was Chief of Staff and that spanned through 2012-2015. What it means is that I have witnessed three budget presentations.
“In this sense, an Assembly of 32, we lost one to death, one claimed to have resigned, and then we have 30 functional Assembly seats. 27 of the Assembly members are on this side, and three members of the Assembly are on this side.
“Is it not anathema that a budget of a state as prominent and as important as Rivers State will be presented to an illegal setting?
“The Court of Appeal, in their various judgments on issues like these, have touched on these issues, and I refer to them as a forum, maybe a forum of friends but certainly not legislators,” he stated, dismissing the session as more of a “forum of friends” than a legitimate legislative gathering.
The APC chairman also criticized Governor Fubara’s leadership, accusing him of fostering division instead of promoting reconciliation.
He warned that the governor’s approach could escalate political tensions in 2025.
“I expected the Governor to use the new year to extend an olive branch and promote peace, but instead, he continues to fuel the flames of division,” Okocha lamented.
He further clarified that despite the political turmoil, none of the 27 lawmakers aligned with former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have defected to the APC.
According to Okocha, their allegiance remains firmly with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“As far as their membership is concerned, they remain PDP members. I lost that bid, but my focus remains on progress, not on joining the governor’s journey to self-destruction,” Okocha concluded.
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