The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to only three lawmakers of the State House of Assembly, calling the move illegal and contrary to governance norms.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday, APC Chairman Tony Okocha criticized the governor’s decision, describing it as a blatant violation of judicial directives.
Governor Fubara had, earlier on Monday, presented the 2025 budget proposal of N1.18 trillion to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the State Assembly, a group considered loyal to him.
Okocha cited a January 2024 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which mandated that state budgets be presented to the Assembly headed by Martins Amaewhule, as legally recognized.
He 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 the budget was presented in a setting that courts have described as illegitimate.
“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 further criticised the governor’s leadership style, labelling him as divisive and confrontational.
Okocha further said following the governor’s continued violations of court processes, he foresees escalating political tensions in 2025, accusing him of stoking hostilities rather than fostering reconciliation.
He said, “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 noted that none of the 27 lawmakers vital to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, registered with the APC and party, reaffirming their membership and allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party.
“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,” the APC chairman added.
