Political Drama in Rivers: Budget Uncertainty as Assembly Adjourns Indefinitely

By Achimi Muktar

Political tension is rising in Rivers State as the House of Assembly abruptly adjourned indefinitely, throwing Governor Siminilayi Fubara’s budget presentation into uncertainty. The move has sparked fears of a political standoff between the governor and the 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Budget Crisis: A Deliberate Obstruction?

Governor Fubara had planned to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, March 19, but the lawmakers’ sudden adjournment has stalled the process.

This isn’t the first setback. Last Wednesday, Fubara’s initial attempt to visit the assembly was blocked when security forces barred his convoy from accessing the legislature. The pro-Wike lawmakers claimed the governor had not followed due process.

Just 24 hours after Fubara formally resubmitted his request to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, the lawmakers went into session, passed three unrelated bills, and indefinitely adjourned—a move Fubara’s supporters call a political sabotage.

“The lawmakers are deliberately blocking the governor from presenting the budget,” said Chijioke Ihunwo, former Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

A top Assembly source, however, dismissed the controversy, claiming the House had not officially received Fubara’s letter and that the adjournment does not mean they won’t reconvene.

What’s Behind the Power Struggle?

Observers see this as another flashpoint in the ongoing rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. The political battle for control of Rivers State has divided the assembly, with the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers clashing with the governor’s supporters over control of the state’s affairs.

Despite the legislative deadlock, the assembly still managed to pass three key bills:

Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025 – granting the legislature expanded powers and immunity.

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025 – repealing the 2018 electoral law to align with federal regulations.

Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025 – restructuring local government administration.

With these bills swiftly passed, critics argue that the lawmakers are prioritizing their own interests over governance, further stalling the budget and state development.

PANDEF vs. Wike: Niger Delta Leaders Weigh In

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has stepped into the crisis, urging President Bola Tinubu to rein in Wike over his inflammatory remarks against the group.

Wike had dismissed PANDEF as “the worst organization anybody can rely on,” after they met with Tinubu to discuss resolving the Rivers crisis.

PANDEF leaders, including former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah, fired back, insisting that Wike’s refusal to engage in peace talks is deepening the crisis.

“We made it clear to Mr. President that a peaceful resolution is needed,” Attah said. “Unfortunately, Wike has refused to cooperate.”

Reception for Wike Goes Ahead Amid Security Concerns

Despite the political turmoil, Wike’s supporters are proceeding with a planned civic reception in his honor at Abalama Town.

The Forum of Traditional Rulers of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality had earlier warned that the event could turn violent, as two rival groups—the NEW Associates and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone—were competing for the same venue.

However, sources say the situation has been “resolved,” and the event will go ahead as planned.

What’s Next? Will Rivers State Descend Into a Full-Blown Crisis?

With the budget in limbo, political tensions are at an all-time high in Rivers State. The Assembly’s adjournment leaves governance at a standstill, and without a quick resolution, the state could plunge into further chaos.

Will President Tinubu intervene, or will the Fubara-Wike showdown continue to escalate? Only time will tell.