Rivers Assembly Crisis Escalates: Legislature Adjourns Indefinitely Amid Growing Tensions

This decision came on Friday, just as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was set to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the legislature on March 19, 2025. After passing three bills, the lawmakers declared that they would adjourn sine die (indefinitely).

Governor Fubara had earlier written to the House, informing them of his intention to re-present the 2025 budget for review and approval.

In a letter dated March 13, 2025, personally signed by the governor, he addressed Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, indicating his plan to present the budget on March 19 or any other suitable date within the month as deemed by the House. He emphasized that the re-presentation of the budget was in line with the Supreme Court ruling and the legislators’ request for a resubmission.

Prior to the indefinite adjournment, the Assembly passed three bills:

1. Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill – Granting the Assembly powers, privileges, and immunity to conduct legislative duties, which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Business.
2. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill – Repealing and re-enacting the RSIEC Law No. 2 of 2018 to redefine the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission, which was sent to the Committee on Commissions and Agencies.
3. Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025 – Repealing the existing local government laws from 2018, 2023, and 2024, and replacing them with a new framework, which was committed to the Committee on Local Government.

Reacting to the indefinite adjournment, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, expressed concern, describing the development as troubling.

He told Leadership: “It is a sad situation because we are trying to avoid the looming crisis of paying salaries, wages, and pensions of civil servants, along with the potential dangers of running the state. The House of Assembly is not working in alignment with our goals, which is a very disturbing development.”