Tensions Rise In Rivers As APC Denounces Fubara’s ‘Illegal’ Budget Move

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to only three members of the State House of Assembly, describing it as illegal and a violation of established governance norms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, APC Chairman Tony Okocha criticized the governor’s actions, calling it a breach of judicial rulings and legislative procedures.

Governor Fubara had earlier presented a ₦1.18 trillion budget estimate for the 2025 fiscal year to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the Assembly, which is loyal to him.

Okocha, however, argued that this move violated a January 2024 court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate body for such matters.

“It is shocking and unimaginable that a governor with a strong background in finance and governance would choose to bypass legal procedures,” Okocha stated. “The Assembly has 30 functional members, yet the budget was presented in an illegitimate setting, as ruled by the courts.”

Reflecting on his experience as Chief of Staff from 2012 to 2015, during which he witnessed multiple budget presentations, Okocha expressed disappointment over the governor’s decision to bypass the larger legislative body, stressing that such actions undermine the integrity of governance in a state as prominent as Rivers.

Okocha further elaborated on the state of the Assembly, pointing out that, despite having 30 functional seats, only three members from the faction loyal to Fubara participated in the budget presentation, calling it a “forum of friends” rather than a legitimate legislative session.

He also criticized Fubara’s leadership, accusing him of deepening division instead of promoting reconciliation. Okocha warned that this could escalate political tensions in 2025.

“I had hoped that the Governor would use the new year to foster peace, but instead, he continues to stoke division,” Okocha lamented.

He also clarified that despite the ongoing political turmoil, none of the 27 lawmakers aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike and currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have defected to the APC, reaffirming their allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Despite my efforts, their loyalty remains with the PDP. I lost that bid, but my focus remains on progress, not on joining the governor’s self-destructive journey,” Okocha concluded.