Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced that his administration is in the final stages of preparing the 2025 budget, which will soon be presented to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.
During a solidarity visit from delegates representing the Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the governor outlined the key priorities of the budget. He emphasized that education, healthcare, and agriculture would be central focuses, aligning with the needs of the Etche and Omuma communities, whose economies are largely driven by farming.
In his remarks, Governor Fubara addressed ongoing clashes between herders and farmers in the region. He assured the public that efforts were being made, with police involvement, to restore peace and boost agricultural productivity. He also stated that the upcoming budget would be significantly larger, with a focus on addressing inflation and unemployment in the state.
Despite calls from some members of the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, to resubmit the 2024 budget proposal, the governor dismissed these demands as illegitimate. He reaffirmed his commitment to moving forward with the 2025 budget, emphasizing that the defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had already forfeited their seats in the Assembly. This move was formalized in December by Edison Ehie, the then-Speaker and current Chief of Staff to the governor.
Governor Fubara further clarified that he had intended to offer political assistance to the defecting lawmakers, though he did not elaborate on the specifics of the support. Some speculate that this could have involved measures under the Presidential Peace Pact.
While the 2025 budget approaches, Governor Fubara remains steadfast in his plans, assuring the public that his administration will continue to prioritize the needs of the people, particularly in sectors that drive economic growth and stability.
