Breaking: Rivers Budget Ultimatum: We Saw It on Social Media, Fubara’s Govt Tells Assembly

By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri

DELTA: With less than 24 hours to the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration has stated that it has not officially received the directive to present the 2025 budget.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated March 5, 2025, addressed to the Assembly, clarified that the government only became aware of the ultimatum through social media. He maintained that as of the close of work on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, no official communication had reached the Governor’s office, the Deputy Governor’s office, or the Accountant-General’s office regarding the directive.

“We came across a letter dated March 3, 2025, on social media, and we wish to notify you that as of the close of work on March 4, we are yet to receive the said letter,” Danagogo stated.

The development comes amid ongoing political tensions in the state, following the Supreme Court’s recent judgments affecting the leadership structure. Governor Fubara had earlier assured in a state broadcast on March 2 that despite his personal stance on the Supreme Court verdicts, he remained committed to upholding the rule of law in the best interest of Rivers people.

“We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgments. Once His Excellency receives them, he will implement the decisions in line with the law and the welfare of Rivers State citizens,” the SSG reassured.

The state government’s response raises further questions about the handling of official correspondence between the executive and legislative arms, as well as the political crisis that continues to unfold in Rivers State.