The Rivers State Government has explained why it will not comply with the ultimatum issued by the State House of Assembly to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The Martins Amaewhule led Assembly had last Monday given Governor Fubara 48-hour ultimatum to represent the state’s 2025 appropriation bill to it in compliance with last Friday’s Supreme Court judgement.
The House of Assembly claimed it communicated its decision to the governor in a letter dated March 3rd and signed by Amaewhule.
The ultimatum followed a ruling of the Supreme Court that reinstated the lawmakers.
However, with the ultimatum expiring today, Wednesday, Rivers State government had said it would not comply with the request of the Rivers Assembly.
In a letter dated March 5th, 2025 and addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, the state government said it had not received the said resolutions of the House.
The letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo read, “I hereby refer to you to a letter dated March 3, 2025, on the above subject matter, which we came across on social media and notify you that:
“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 the said letter.
“We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgement of the Supreme Court and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as his Excellency receives the judgement, he will strive to implement same in the best interest of our people.
“Please, recall that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, had in a broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025, stated clearly that notwithstanding his personal opinion on the Supreme Court judgements, 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 the state.”
