Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, amounting to N1.1 trillion, into law.
The bill was passed by the state’s five-man House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, who presented it on Monday.
The signing took place on Thursday, and during the ceremony, Governor Fubara reaffirmed that Oko-Jumbo remains the legitimate Speaker of the state Assembly.
The governor further declared that Martins Amaewhule, along with 26 other lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), are no longer recognized as members of the Assembly, in accordance with the law.
Fubara addressed the issue of the defections, comparing the situation to a failed journey where the defectors realized their mistake too late.
He emphasized that the matter had been given enough time for resolution, and the state had moved on. “We are not going back,” he asserted, stressing the importance of prioritizing the interests of Rivers State.
The governor expressed his commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the 2025 budget, citing that the focus would remain on achieving even greater success in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, building on the achievements of 2024.
He also thanked all those involved in the passage of the bill, particularly his management team, including his deputy and the commissioner for finance.
He urged them to continue their hard work to meet the state’s larger goals.
In response, Speaker Oko-Jumbo praised Fubara’s leadership, particularly his initiatives that have enhanced the welfare of the people, including the civil servants who have benefitted from the N85,000 minimum wage and Christmas bonuses.
He assured that the Assembly would continue to collaborate with the governor to ensure further progress and development in 2025.
