Tensions Rise: Wike’s Camp Blasts Fubara For Disobeying Court’s Stance On Budget

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Governor Sim Fubara of acting illegally by presenting a ₦1.18 trillion budget for 2025 to a factional state House of Assembly consisting of just three lawmakers.

The proposed Appropriation Bill, titled the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” outlines Governor Fubara’s vision for strengthening his administration’s 2024 achievements and charting a sustainable development path for Rivers State.

Fubara, accompanied by his cabinet members and top officials, presented the budget at the Assembly complex, detailing the fiscal year’s priorities and funding strategies.

This move mirrors Fubara’s actions in 2023 when he bypassed the 27-member factional Assembly loyal to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The Rivers State House of Assembly became divided in October 2023 after tensions rose between Fubara and Wike. During this crisis, Fubara survived an impeachment attempt by the pro-Wike lawmakers, who later defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC. Since then, Fubara has rejected the 27 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, labeling them as illegitimate and refusing to engage with them.

In an interview with Punch, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, expressed disappointment over Fubara’s defiance of court orders, stating that the governor’s actions are undermining peacebuilding and development efforts.

Ikenga remarked, “This is a situation where the case is sub judice, yet the Rivers State government continues to act in disregard of court procedures. After disobeying both the high court and appellate court rulings, we now await the Supreme Court’s final decision on who is the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

He added, “Our party, the APC, expects the state government to respect the judicial pronouncements and await the court’s final determination so that we can move forward and focus on the development of our state.”