Drama As Pro-Wike Lawmakers Bar Governor Fubara From Rivers Consolidated Revenue Account

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the expiry of a seven day dateline given to Governor Sim Fubara to represent the 2024 budget for deliberation and possible approval, the Rivers state House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule on Monday July 15 2024 embargoed any further expenditure by the executive arm.

The Source reports that the Pro-Wike Legislators had, on July 8 2024, given Governor Fubara seven days within which to represent the budget .

The Amaewhule – led 27 lawmakers are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Nyesom Wike.

Their earlier defection from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP on which platform they were elected to the rival All Progressive Congress APC has since made their seats subject of ongoing legal battle.

Governor Fubara has insisted that his administration will not deal with them in matters concerning the state, as they are no longer members of the State Legislative Body.

The then Speaker Edison Ehie-led State Lawmakers ,had since passed the appropriation bill. Governor Fubara had since signed same into law.

Edison was, however, to become Governor Fubara’s Chief of Staff after the budget’s passage.

Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo is now presiding over the State House of Assembly faction loyal to the Governor.

While their sittings are held inside the State seat of Power, the Speaker Amaewhule led Pro-Wike lawmakers conduct their activities at the State’s Legislative quarters.

The Assembly Complex is currently under going reconstruction ,after having some parts of it torched and vandalized in the early days of the political skirmishes between Pro-Wike and pro-Fubara forces.

The motion to bar the Governor Fubara-led Executive from access to the State’s Treasury was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Major Jack during their sitting.

He drew the attention of the House to the expiry of the seven days ultimatum earlier given for the representation of the budget.

The motion was subsequently passed after deliberation by the 27 pro-Wike legislators.

The motion in effect has shut down the State Consolidated Revenue Account ,and also prevents the Executive arm from further accessing funds therefrom.

Governor Fubara has vowed never to represent the 2024 budget for consideration.