Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has signed the N1.1 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, emphasizing that Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo remains the Speaker of the state’s sole House of Assembly.
The budget, presented to the five-member Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo on Monday, received the governor’s assent on Thursday after its passage.
Governor Fubara dismissed recognition of Martins Amaewhule and 26 other legislators who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that their positions were no longer valid under the law.
Addressing the situation, Fubara stated: “We have only one Assembly, and it is headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo. Those who defected have embarked on a misguided journey and cannot return. We have moved on, and our focus remains on defending the interests of Rivers State.”
The governor pledged full implementation of the 2025 budget, highlighting its importance to the state’s development.
“Every projection in this budget will be activated to surpass the achievements of 2024. Our focus remains on education, health, agriculture, roads, and overall economic growth,” he said.
Fubara expressed gratitude to his executive team, including his deputy and the finance commissioner, for their contributions and urged them to intensify their efforts in fulfilling promises to the people.
Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo commended Governor Fubara’s leadership, particularly the welfare improvements for civil servants, such as the implementation of an N85,000 minimum wage and Christmas bonuses.
Oko-Jumbo assured the governor of the Assembly’s continued support to achieve greater milestones in 2025.
“With the appropriation bill now signed into law, we are committed to collaborating for more development that will uplift the lives of Rivers people,” he said.
The 2025 budget is expected to drive significant advancements across key sectors in Rivers State, solidifying the administration’s commitment to progress.