Rivers Governor Cleared of Budget Submission Allegation

A spokesperson for Citizens for Good Governance in Democracy, Ben Ukeji, has dismissed allegations that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to submit a budget to the State Assembly, describing the claim as untenable. Ukeji made this statement during an interview on Arise Television’s “Prime Time” program, which was monitored by Media Talk Africa.

According to Ukeji, Section 122 of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution, as amended, grants the governor the authority to spend a portion of the budget for a period of six months without requiring legislative approval. He noted that the budget in question is the 2025 budget, and Governor Fubara’s tenure was affected by the declaration of a state of emergency.

The Rivers State Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara on Thursday, citing several issues, including the alleged non-submission of the budget. However, Ukeji’s comments suggest that the governor’s actions may be justified under the constitution.

The impeachment proceedings mark a significant development in the ongoing political situation in Rivers State. The State Assembly’s decision to initiate impeachment proceedings is likely to have far-reaching implications for the state’s governance and political landscape.

In the context of Nigerian politics, the issue of budget submission is a critical aspect of the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. The constitution requires governors to submit budgets to their respective state assemblies for approval, but it also provides for exceptions in certain circumstances.

As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the impeachment proceedings will play out and what the ultimate outcome will be for Governor Fubara. The development has significant implications for the state’s governance and political stability, and it is likely to be closely watched by stakeholders and observers alike.