Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sent another letter to the Rivers House of Assembly, notifying them about his intention to present a fresh 2025 Appropriation Bill for their consideration and approval.

In a letter addressed to the speaker, Martin Amaewhule, and dated March 13, 2025, the governor fixed his budget presentation for March 19, 2025, or any other day in the month chosen by the lawmakers.

“It is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, by 11:00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.

“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House, and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my highest regards,” the letter said.

The Rivers governor added, “As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the clerk to accept the hard copy from us.

“Recall further that before this unfortunate incident, the House issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget even when we were yet to be served with the certified true copy of the judgment and accompanying enrolled orders.”

Mr Fubara explained that his government was only complying with the order of the Supreme Court and the deadline by the lawmakers when he came to present the budget.

He urged the lawmakers to exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the country’s Constitution to end the lingering stalemate.

“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” Mr Fubara stated.