Rivers State Assembly Counters SSG’s Claim, Says Budget Letter Was Rejected by Government

In a dramatic turn of events, the Rivers State House of Assembly has publicly countered the claim made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, asserting that the state government deliberately rejected a crucial budget resolution. The letter, which demanded that Governor Siminalayi Fubara present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, has now become the center of a political storm, exposing a deepening rift between the legislative and executive arms of government.

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Assembly’s Stand: “We Sent the Letter, But It Was Rejected”

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, insists that the letter in question was dispatched on March 3, 2025, through a FedEx courier service and was delivered to Government House. However, they claim that the government officials refused to accept it, instructing the courier to return the document to the sender.

According to a statement from the Speaker’s principal secretary, this act was a blatant rejection, suggesting that the government was avoiding official communication regarding the budget.

“This letter was properly sent through the appropriate channel. There is no doubt about its delivery. The refusal to acknowledge it raises serious questions about transparency in governance.”

This revelation has fueled speculation that the executive arm may be attempting to stall the budget process, despite a Supreme Court ruling that recently reshaped the state's political landscape.

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Government’s Defense: “We Haven’t Seen Any Letter”

In response, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, categorically denied receiving any letter from the Assembly regarding the 2025 Appropriation Bill. In an official statement issued on March 5, 2025, he asserted:

“As of the close of work on March 4, neither the office of the Governor, nor the Deputy Governor, nor the Accountant-General’s office had received such a letter.”

Danagogo further emphasized that while the government was aware of the Assembly’s resolution through media reports, official correspondence had not been received. He also reiterated Governor Fubara’s commitment to complying with the Supreme Court’s judgment but insisted that legal and administrative processes must be followed correctly.

This contradiction between the two arms of government has created a political standoff, raising critical questions about administrative coordination, transparency, and constitutional adherence.

At the heart of this controversy is a recent Supreme Court ruling that reinstated pro-Wike lawmakers and overturned key administrative decisions made under the previous political arrangement. This ruling effectively reshaped the balance of power within Rivers State, forcing both the Assembly and the Governor to navigate a new political reality.

Key Legal Developments Leading to the Conflict:

• October 2024 – The Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, invalidating previous budgetary actions taken under a rival faction.
• February 2025 – The Supreme Court reinstated lawmakers aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, effectively shifting the political dynamics in the state.
• March 2025 – The Rivers State House of Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget in compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment.

These judicial decisions have escalated tensions, as the reinstated lawmakers are now asserting their authority, while the executive arm appears to be deliberating on the next steps.

This power struggle is not just a political chess match—it has direct consequences for the people of Rivers State. Without a 2025 Appropriation Bill, critical public services and developmental projects may face delays or funding challenges.

Key concerns include:

• Delayed Public Sector Salaries – If budgetary allocations are stalled, civil servants and government workers may experience delays in salary payments.
• Stalled Infrastructure Projects – Ongoing and proposed projects, such as road construction, healthcare improvements, and education sector funding, could suffer setbacks.
• Economic Uncertainty – Investors and businesses may become hesitant to engage in new ventures amidst political instability.

The longer this deadlock persists, the greater the impact on governance and public confidence.

The only way forward is a clear, transparent, and constitutionally backed resolution. Both the executive and legislative arms must prioritize governance over politics. Experts suggest the following steps:

• Independent Verification – A neutral body should investigate the delivery and handling of the budget resolution letter to determine the truth.
• Judicial Clarification – If needed, the Supreme Court may need to intervene to clarify procedural requirements and ensure compliance.
• Constructive Dialogue – Both sides must set aside political differences and focus on governance to prevent unnecessary administrative gridlock.

The battle over the 2025 budget resolution has revealed deep-seated tensions within the Rivers State government, exposing critical weaknesses in communication and trust between its key institutions. While both the executive and legislative arms claim adherence to the rule of law, their inability to effectively coordinate threatens governance stability.

For Rivers State to move forward, transparency, accountability, and constitutional governance must take precedence. The people of Rivers State deserve efficient leadership, not prolonged political battles. How both sides handle this dispute will shape the state’s future governance trajectory in the months ahead.