The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of deliberately delaying the implementation of a Supreme Court ruling.

The Assembly claims that the governor is obstructing the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, a key requirement set forth by the court’s decision.

The allegations were made by Enemi George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and spokesperson for the Assembly, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

George urged the public to hold the governor accountable, stressing the need for the governor to follow due process in submitting the budget instead of casting the lawmakers as obstructive.

George specifically challenged the governor’s claim that he had sent a letter to the Assembly regarding his intention to present the bill.

Last week, while en route to an event in Ogoni, Governor Fubara allegedly told the press he had sent such a letter.

However, George stated that no such letter had been received by the Assembly, and dismissed the governor’s aides’ explanation that the letter was shared via WhatsApp as “awkward, unprofessional, and embarrassing.”

The Assembly spokesperson emphasized that no letter was found in the records or with staff, suggesting that if the letter existed, it was likely meant for the public rather than the legislature.

George accused the governor of attempting to manipulate public opinion by attacking the Assembly and turning the situation into a media spectacle.

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Furthermore, George criticized the governor for hindering the Assembly’s efforts to resolve the issues arising from the Supreme Court ruling.

After the judgment, the Assembly had urgently requested that the governor submit the Appropriation Bill by March 15, 2025, to facilitate the release of frozen federal funds.

However, George claimed that the governor ignored their repeated appeals, with Assembly staff allegedly being turned away and even assaulted when attempting to deliver a letter to the Government House.

George also highlighted the broader political fallout, noting that the Supreme Court ruling had invalidated several state commissioner appointments.

In response, the Assembly had asked the governor to submit new nominations for screening, but this request was reportedly rejected, with the governor allegedly instructing his officials to pursue legal action against the Assembly instead.

The lawmaker further accused the governor of directing all state ministries, agencies, and departments to sever communication with the Assembly, a move he called “unacceptable” and a violation of the separation of powers enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.

Describing the ongoing situation as dire, George outlined the hardships faced by the Assembly, including the destruction of their chamber, Speaker’s residence, and the Assembly complex.

He also pointed to the withholding of lawmakers’ allowances for over a year and a half. Despite these challenges, George stated that the Assembly had prioritized the interests of Rivers State over personal grievances.

He warned that the governor’s actions were putting the livelihoods of Rivers residents at risk, citing the plight of pensioners, teachers, and public institutions that depend on government funding.

“The governor is playing with the lives of Rivers people,” George said, calling on the public to demand that the governor act in the best interests of the state and its citizens.

Crediblenewsng.com