A political storm is brewing in Rivers State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fiercely criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the state’s budget to what it described as an “illegitimate and grossly compromised” three-member House of Assembly. The controversy, reported by Sahara Reporters and shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, has raised questions about the legitimacy of governance in the oil-rich state.
The APC labeled the governor’s action as a blatant disregard for democratic principles and an affront to the rule of law. “What Governor Fubara has done is unprecedented and unacceptable,” an APC spokesperson stated. “This is not governance; it is a mockery of democracy.”
The three-member Assembly, a far cry from its 32-member full capacity, has faced accusations of operating as a “rubber stamp” for the governor’s administration. Critics argue that the governor exploited a deliberate manipulation of the legislative process to push through his agenda without accountability or transparency.
The APC further alleged that the truncated Assembly was a deliberate ploy by Fubara to stifle dissent and ensure unquestioned passage of the budget. “This move highlights the erosion of checks and balances in Rivers State. Fubara is essentially running a one-man show, with the Assembly reduced to a mere tool of convenience,” the party asserted.
Governor Fubara’s supporters, however, have dismissed the APC’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated. They argue that the budget presentation followed due process and was necessitated by unavoidable circumstances, including the recent crises within the Assembly.
But for many Rivers residents, the situation reflects deeper governance issues in the state. “How can a state with vast economic potential and strategic importance allow its legislature to dwindle to this level?” asked a concerned citizen.
The APC has vowed to challenge the legitimacy of the budget presentation and has called on civil society organizations, legal experts, and the public to demand accountability. “This charade cannot stand. Rivers State deserves better,” the party’s statement read.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria, with political analysts questioning the implications of such actions for the country’s democratic institutions. “When legislative bodies are reduced to mere spectators, it undermines the very fabric of democracy,” one analyst noted.
As the dust settles, all eyes are on Governor Fubara and his administration. Will he address the criticisms and restore the integrity of the Rivers State House of Assembly, or will this episode mark another chapter in the erosion of democratic governance in the state? The answers will likely shape the political landscape in Rivers State for years to come.
PIONEER NEWS 