On Monday, December 30, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented a N1.18 trillion budget for 2025 to a small, three-member faction of the State House of Assembly. This controversial move bypassed a larger group of 27 lawmakers who are loyal to Fubara’s former mentor, Nyesom Wike. Since October 2023, the House of Assembly has been divided following tensions between Fubara and Wike, creating a complicated political environment.
The proposed budget, titled the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” focuses on achieving long-term economic growth, advancing development projects, and improving the living standards of the state’s residents. The total projected revenue for Rivers State in 2025 is approximately N1.19 trillion, with the budget divided into recurrent expenditure (N462.25 billion) and capital expenditure (N678.09 billion). Smaller allocations were also set for planning reserves and closing balances.
Fubara’s administration has made significant allocations in key sectors. Nearly N31 billion has been set aside for agricultural development and youth support programs aimed at reducing unemployment. The education sector will receive over N63 billion, which will be used to rehabilitate and furnish public primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools, providing an improved learning environment for students.
In health, Fubara allocated N97.75 billion to complete various health projects, including zonal hospitals and the upgrading of a neuropsychiatric hospital. More than N195 billion will go toward infrastructure development, particularly road construction.
Despite the focus on development, the opposition, led by the Rivers State chapter of the APC, has strongly criticized Fubara’s decision to present the budget to just a three-member faction of the Assembly. APC spokesperson Chibuike Ikenga accused the governor of disregarding court orders and bypassing the larger, pro-Wike group of lawmakers. The APC is calling for the state government to respect judicial rulings and wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on the legitimacy of the Assembly’s leadership.
As Fubara pushes forward with his developmental agenda, the political tensions surrounding the budget presentation highlight the ongoing struggles between the factions within the Rivers State government.
