Pro-Wike Rivers Lawmakers Declare Suspension Of State Spending Amid Dispute With Governor Fubara
Following a seven-day ultimatum issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Speaker has mandated a complete cessation of all state expenditures until the 2024 budget is presented before the House led by him.
Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, has declared a complete shutdown of state expenditures.
Following a seven-day ultimatum issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Speaker has mandated a complete cessation of all state expenditures until the 2024 budget is presented before the House led by him.
The Assembly led by Amaewhule has decided that Governor Fubara cannot approve or authorise expenditures from the state’s consolidated revenue fund, nor can ministries spend public funds until the presentation of the 2024 budget.
The Rivers State’s political crisis had further deepened as two rival factions of the House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo convened separate sessions.
The Amaewhule-led faction, which aligns with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had issued an ultimatum to Governor Fubara, demanding the re-presentation of the 2024 budget within seven days.
A court order initially declared the seats of the pro-Wike lawmakers vacant, but it was later overturned by the Appeal Court last week, recognising their legitimacy.
The controversy between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike and current FCT Minister has continued unabated, throwing the state into political tensions.
