Fubara Reaffirms Single Leadership of Rivers Assembly, Signs N1.188trn 2025 Budge
● Tonye Okurumo
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated that the State has only one legitimate House of Assembly led by Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo. This clarification came as he signed the Rivers State Appropriation Law No.1 of 2025, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Governor Fubara’s statement, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, addressed rumors of a possible division within the Legislature. He emphasized that there is no split and only one Assembly exists under Oko-Jumbo’s leadership.
“I want to clarify for those who may be confused: there is only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and it is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo,” Fubara asserted.
The Governor described those who allegedly abandoned their legislative duties as a misguided group, stating, “They embarked on a journey and decided to return midway. It’s too late; we’ve moved on. Our focus remains on defending Rivers State’s interests and maintaining governance integrity.”
Fubara highlighted the importance of the newly signed 2025 budget, assuring residents that every projection in the budget would be realized to improve their lives. “Our goal is to surpass our 2024 achievements and ensure a better 2025 for all Rivers residents,” he said.
Commending the State House of Assembly for their diligence, Fubara expressed gratitude for their hard work and commitment. “I thank the Assembly for their dedication and for ensuring we start the New Year on a strong note,” he added.
The Governor also lauded the State Executive Council, particularly the Deputy Governor, Commissioners for Finance and Budget, and the Acting Chairman of the Internal Revenue Board, for their exceptional performance in 2024. He urged them to continue their efforts in key areas such as education, health, and agriculture.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, praised the Fubara administration for its infrastructure development and social welfare initiatives. He highlighted the positive impact of the Governor’s leadership on the common man.
“The Governor has become a beacon of hope, with the people appreciating the positive changes under his leadership,” Oko-Jumbo remarked. He also noted the Governor’s generosity in paying Christmas bonuses and approving a higher minimum wage for civil servants.
Rt Hon Oko-Jumbo expressed confidence that 2025 would bring strategic growth and development under Governor Fubara’s leadership. “On behalf of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, we thank you for your partnership and dedication to delivering democracy’s dividends across Rivers State,” he concluded.
Presenting the 2025 budget for the Governor’s assent, House Leader Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari highlighted the substantial increase in the budget to N1,188.9 trillion, reflecting significant progress. He emphasized the strategic allocations for recurrent and capital expenditures, ensuring workers’ welfare, development projects, and revenue savings.
Hon Sokari assured that the 2025 budget would bring comfort and prosperity to the people of Rivers State through effective leadership and strategic planning. GMTNewsng
