A civil society group, Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence, has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to immediately retract the signed 2025 budget by ensure that it is properly presented and passed under the legitimate leadership of Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
This was contained in a jointly statement signed by the National President, Bature Haruna and FCT Coordinator, Mark Okpanachi Ogah, made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA.
The statement said “the political developments in Rivers State have raised significant concerns about the principles of justice, gratitude, and respect for the rule of law.
“As a forum committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and accountability in Nigeria, we find it necessary to address these issues and urge all parties involved to embrace lawful and harmonious governance.
“Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently signed the N1.188 trillion Rivers State 2025 budget into law, purportedly submitted on December 30, 2024, by a three-member Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
“This action defies the judiciary’s recognition of Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and undermines democratic processes and principles.
“Furthermore, Martin Amaewhule and 26 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to His Excellency Nyesom Wike and form part of his political structure.
“Not recognizing them, as directed by the court rulings, is totally unacceptable and unfortunate, especially for such disloyalty to come from a state executive like Governor Fubara who is expected to uphold rule of law and democratic principles,”.
The group also said Governor Fubara must not forget the vital role played by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in his political ascent to power.
“Wike stood firmly behind Fubara during his nomination, even when opposition came from his kinsmen. Additionally, Wike shielded Fubara from allegations of financial misconduct, placing his trust in him at a critical political moments.
“It is, therefore, disheartening that Governor Fubara has chosen to betray his benefactor by attempting to dismantle the political structure built by Wike. This ungratefulness is not only morally unacceptable but also politically destabilizing.
“The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence call on Governor Fubara to respect judicial rulings and uphold the constitution to restore public confidence in his administration, abide and respect the reconciliation intervention proffer by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“In a democracy, no leader is above the law. Governance must be based on legality, principle of separation of powers and transparency. Governor Fubara must realign his actions to reflect these principles for the good of Rivers State and its people.
“The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence remain steadfast in promoting peace, justice, and unity in Nigeria. We urge Governor Fubara to prioritize the rule of law and reconciliation to preserve democracy and ensure sustainable development in Rivers State.
“The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence is using this medium to thank Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his genuine intervention for all parties to respect the rule of law and maintain Peaceful resolution to this Rivers State political debacle.
“We in Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence are also thanking the President for signing the establishment of North Central Development Commission into law,” the statement concluded.