-Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, defended presenting the 2025 budget to only three lawmakers, asserting that the 27 defected lawmakers from the PDP to the APC had permanently lost their seats and could not return to the Assembly.
-Fubara criticized the defected lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, accusing them of disrespect and vowing to focus on the state’s interests, dismissing claims of a factional Assembly.
-After signing the N1.1 trillion budget, Fubara pledged to prioritize education, health, and agriculture while building on achievements in infrastructure, expressing gratitude to the State Executive Council and legislative collaborators for their support.
-Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo praised Governor Fubara for driving unprecedented growth in Rivers State, citing achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security, while pledging legislative support for the administrationās goals in 2025.
-Rivers APC Chairman Tony Okocha condemned Fubaraās decision to present the 2025 budget to only three lawmakers, labeling it illegal and citing a January 2024 court ruling that mandated budget presentations to the 27 pro-Wike legislators.
-Okocha accused Fubara of divisive leadership and failing to promote peace in the state, dismissing claims that the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers had joined the APC and emphasizing the need for legal and inclusive governance.
Peoplesmind
