The Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha, has condemned the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the pro-Fubara five-member Rivers State House of Assembly, calling it illegal and a breach of court rulings as well as established governance procedures.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Okocha accused the governor of openly flouting the rule of law and disregarding judicial authority.
He emphasized that the January 2024 ruling by Justice Omotosho, which stipulated that budgets must be presented to the legislative body led by Martins Amaewhule, is legally binding.
Read Also: Fubara Signs ₦1.1tn Rivers 2025 Budget Into Law, Makes Fresh Declaration On Amaewhule And 26 Other Lawmakers Who Defected From PDP To APC
“It is unimaginable and unthinkable that a governor with such a rich background in finance and governance would choose to sidestep legal processes. The Assembly has 30 functional members, yet the budget was presented in a setting that courts have described as illegitimate,” he said.
Chief Okocha continued to criticize the governor’s leadership approach, describing it as divisive and confrontational.
He expressed concern about the growing political tensions expected in 2025, blaming the governor for fueling animosities instead of promoting unity and reconciliation.
“I expected the governor to use the new year to extend an olive branch and promote peace, but instead, he continues to fuel the flames of division,” Okocha stated.
He stated that 27 Assembly members had not defected to the APC, highlighting that none of them had registered with the party, as they reiterated their loyalty to the PDP.
“As far as membership is concerned, they remain PDP members. I lost that bid, but my focus remains on progress, not on joining the governor’s journey to self-destruction,” he added.
On Tuesday, Governor Fubara presented a N1.8 trillion budget to the five-member Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
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