JUST-IN: Fubara Signs N800bn 2024 Budget Day After Presentation

The N800 billion 2024 Appropriations Bill was formally signed into law by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara one day after it was controversially presented to a small group of state assembly men.

Governor Fubara signed the “Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity” bill at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, members of the State Executive Council, former and present lawmakers who support the governor, and a number of Local Government Area chairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attended the signing ceremony, which was held in the conference room of the Governor’s Office.

During the signing, Governor Fubara emphasized his administration’s commitment to implementing the N800 billion budget, with a major focus on infrastructure development. He highlighted the necessity of addressing socio-economic needs by investing in vital projects like the second phase of the Trans-Kalabari road.

The backdrop to the budget signing remains contentious due to the presentation of the bill before a limited number of lawmakers the previous day. The initial presentation occurred before just five lawmakers led by Speaker Edison Ehie, following the controversial demolition of the Assembly complex.

Moreover, Speaker Ehie’s faction declared vacant the seats of 27 members who had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This development has contributed to an ongoing Speakership tussle between Ehie and Martins Amaewhule, currently being adjudicated in court.