Still talking tough amidst the heightened tension of his imminent impeachment, the Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he would not hesitate to pay the supreme price if that is what it will take to save the state from anti-democratic forces.
Governor Fubara pointed to why it has to be on record and known to everybody that the interest of Rivers State remains his top priority, emphasizing that he would not hesitate to “pay the supreme price, if it is so required”.
He declared that despite the unceasing antagonism against his administration, the course of governance is irreversible, and “victory is assured for the State”.
The Governor, who admitted how the news of the judgment of the Supreme Court has dampened the spirit of most Rivers people, charged them to brace up because what is ahead is more than what just passed.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while inaugurating the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, reconstructed by his administration, along Forces Avenue (opposite Government House), Old GRA, Port Harcourt on Monday.
“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20 – 30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
Governor Fubara, however, emphasized that no matter how much the adversaries have tried to fool the State, “the time has fully come for Rivers people to take their destinies in their hands”.
The Governor, who clarified that he has never subscribed to violence or asking people to indulge in lawless acts, warned that his administration will not look away when haters of the State struggle to unleash violence in the State.
“No matter how we’ve been fooled in this State, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies in their hands.
“Since I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worst that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?
“So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us. Let me thank everyone, more especially our youths. Be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you, at the right time, you will hear from us.”
Meanwhile, the Martins Amaewhule led House of Assembly on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Governor to present the 2025 budget before the House without further delay.
At the 130 Legislative day of the Second Session of the Tenth (10) Assembly which held on Monday, the House amongst other matters deliberated on Judgements of the Supreme Court in Suits number SC/CV/1174/2024 and SC/CV/1105/2024 delivered on February 28, 2025 and resolved as follows:
That under the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, “you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended. That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.
“That since the Supreme Court in the judgement delivered in Suit no.: SC/cv/1105/2024 nullified the purported Rivers State Local Government Elections of 5th October 2024 for non-compliance with the Electoral Act among other reasons, the House would soon commence the process of amending the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law No. 2 of 2018 so that they can be in tandem with the Electoral Act and pave the way for the commencement of plans for fresh Local Government elections in the State”.
The House also drew the attention of the Governor to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended; the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2023 as well as the Judgement of the Supreme Court in Suit No: Sc/CV/343/2024 that prohibits the administration of Local Governments by HLGA’S or any other persons other than democratically elected officials.
The letter to the Governor which was signed by Martins Amaewhule personally noted that the House would proceed on a 12- week recess from Friday 7h March 2025 but that Standing Committees would be expected to continue statutory functions.
“Please be informed that our resolutions are geared towards a quick fix to the current financial quagmire occasioned by the absence of an Appropriation Law for Rivers State. We do not want Rivers State people to suffer. We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the good people of Rivers
State”, the letter said.
