Fubara unveils 2024 budget to four lawmakers while demolishing Assembly Complex
The intrigues trailing the political crisis in Rivers State heightened yesterday, amid tension between the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The drama began very early at the Rivers State House of Assembly, when the state government moved bulldozers to demolish the complex two months after fire caused by explosives gutted the Assembly.
Amid tight security, the demolition started around 6:45 a.m. with the governor leading a convoy consisting of about 10 bulldozers carried on heavy-duty flatbed lorries into the Assembly premises.
Security presence along Moscow Road was very tight, with both sides of the road completely cordoned off and blocked to vehicular traffic. However, there was no repeat of the actions of October 30 when the governor was tear-gassed as the policemen allowed foot traffic in and out of the street.
While this was ongoing, Fubara described his predecessor as ‘My Oga’ (my boss) in a message to celebrate Wike’s birthday, who turned 56 yesterday.
I congratulate my oga. Your Excellency, my dear wife and I, and the good people of Rivers join your family and friends to felicitate you on this day. We sincerely pray that your new age brings you joy and good health,” Fubara said in the birthday message he posted on his X page.
Just as citizens were waking up to the unfolding drama, Fubara presented the N800 billion 2024 budget estimates to the Edison Ehie-led faction at the Government House. Ehie (loyal to Fubara) and Martins Amaewhule (loyal to Wike) have been embroiled in a Speakership tussle which is in court.
The budget presentation was held at a hall in the Government House, apparently due to the “renovation” work at the Assembly Complex. Present at the budget presentation were members of the House loyal to Ehie. None of the members, who on Monday moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), were in attendance.
The state government said the renovation was carried out on the advice of consultants, who warned that the building is no longer habitable.
The government said the advice to demolish and restructure the building was predicated on the recent fire that engulfed the allowed chambers and the need to strengthen the complex. The Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, said the government hopes to give the renovation accelerated hearing.
