A spokesperson for Citizens for Good Governance in Democracy, Ben Ukeji, dismissed allegations that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to submit a budget to the State Assembly, calling the claim untenable. He made the statement during an interview on Arise Television’s “Prime Time” program, which was monitored by Media Talk Africa.
Ukeji explained that Section 122 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, allows a governor to spend a portion of the budget for up to six months without legislative approval. He noted that the budget in question is the 2025 budget and that 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. Ukeji’s comments suggest that the governor’s actions may be justified under the constitutional provision.
The impeachment marks a significant development in the ongoing political situation in Rivers State and could have far‑reaching implications for the state’s governance and political landscape. In Nigerian politics, budget submission is a critical aspect of the relationship between the executive and legislative branches; while the constitution requires governors to submit budgets for approval, it also provides exceptions in certain circumstances.
As the situation unfolds, observers will watch closely to see how the impeachment proceedings proceed and what the ultimate outcome will be for Governor Fubara. The development has important implications for the state’s governance and political stability, attracting the attention of stakeholders and analysts alike.
Comments are closed for this story.