Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently addressed the political fallout surrounding Martin Amaewhule and the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a video that was shared by Symfoni TV. Fubara denounced their choice, calling it a serious error that cost them their seats in the legislature.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The governor revealed that, initially, he had considered supporting the defected lawmakers in the spirit of state unity. However, their actions prompted him to reevaluate his position, leading him to prioritize the future of Rivers State over reconciliation with the lawmakers.
Fubara confirmed his decision not to present the 2024 budget to the Amaewhule-led assembly, declaring that his administration has already shifted focus to the 2025 budget. He asserted that the defected lawmakers no longer hold legitimate positions in the assembly, as their seats were declared vacant in December 2023.
“In our 2025 budget, which we’ve already started, don’t worry about those people who are delusional,” Fubara said. “They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you so they can hear wherever they are.”
Reflecting on the lawmakers’ defection, Fubara attributed their miscalculation to divine intervention. “We all know what happened when they crossed, and how did they cross? It is because of our God that they made that mistake,” he stated.
Fubara also recounted his earlier willingness to support the lawmakers, lamenting their inability to grasp the consequences of their decision. “I accepted to help them because we are all one and we disagree to agree. They thought they were smart. What is holding them now is the declaration of their seats vacant,” he said.
He emphasized that his administration has no intention of reversing the decision to declare their seats vacant, signaling an end to their political relevance. “It is what will send them to their villages,” he declared.
Looking ahead, Fubara outlined his administration’s priorities for the 2025 budget, which will focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development. *”We are going to do roads, but we need to be healthy. Our children need to go to quality schools; even if they can’t go to private schools, let them attend public ones that meet standards,”* he explained.
Governor Fubara’s remarks have sparked debate about the political future of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the broader direction of governance in the state. His steadfast commitment to long-term development signals a focus on essential sectors to advance Rivers State’s progress.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
You may want to watch the footage below from 1:23 minutes.
