PORT HARCOURT – In a momentous session, Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the eagerly awaited 2024 Rivers State appropriation bill at the plenary of the assembly, presided over by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Governor Fubara, flanked by key members of his cabinet, including the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, and Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, arrived at the assembly to formally introduce the proposed budget.
The State Executive Council, convening for its 5th sitting on Monday, gave the green light to the estimated budget, exceeding N800 billion, aptly named the “Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity” for the 2024 fiscal year.
However, amidst the budget presentation, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie declared the seats of 27 out of 32 lawmakers vacant due to their defection to the APC. This announcement followed the recent demolition of the State House of Assembly building on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
Sources from the government indicate that the demolition project is a state government initiative. This development follows the unfortunate burning of the hallowed chambers of the state assembly by unidentified political thugs.
The legislative arm of the state has been grappling with a severe crisis, stemming from attempts by some lawmakers to impeach Governor Fubara. In a surprising turn of events, over 10 bulldozers, excavators, and heavy-duty machines were deployed to the assembly complex as early as 5 a.m. on Wednesday.
The demolition commenced at approximately 7:30 a.m., and at the time of this report, the process is still ongoing. The unfolding events mark a significant chapter in the political landscape of Rivers State, with the dual focus on budgetary matters and legislative transformations capturing the attention of both the public and political observers.
