The Rivers State Government has stated that it has not yet received any official communication regarding the 48-hour budget presentation ultimatum issued by the state House of Assembly. This comes after last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment that has intensified political tensions in the state.
On Monday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule reportedly sent a letter to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, urging him to submit the 2025 Appropriation Bill within two days, in line with constitutional provisions. However, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, noted that no such document had been received by the governor or any relevant government office.
The statement reads, “I hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March 2025 on the above subject, 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 said letter.”
Dr. Danagogo also noted that the state government had not received a certified copy of the Supreme Court’s judgment, which is necessary for an official response. He assured the public that the government’s legal team is in contact with the court and awaiting the document.
“We have since been in contact with our lawyers who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement same timeously in the best interest of our people,” he said.
Despite the ongoing political situation, the SSG reassured Rivers residents of the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. He recalled that in a statewide broadcast on March 2, Governor Fubara had stated that, regardless of his personal views on the court ruling, he would comply with the judgment in accordance with legal principles and the welfare of the people.
