In order to force the Rivers State House of Assembly to set a date for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the state budget, a group of attorneys has petitioned the court. The attorneys contend that the postponement of the budget presentation date is unlawful and may impede the state’s ability to govern and develop.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a suit filed before the court, the legal team contends that the legislative body has a constitutional obligation to facilitate the budgetary process by allowing the governor to formally present the financial plan for the state. They stress that any deliberate obstruction of this process could negatively impact public services, infrastructure projects and economic activities that depend on timely budget approval.
Lead counsel for the group, Barrister Emmanuel Nwosu, emphasized that the budget presentation is a fundamental aspect of governance and should not be subjected to political maneuvering or undue delays. According to him, the Rivers Assembly has a duty to prioritize the interests of the people over political considerations.
“The budget determines the direction of governance for the fiscal year and any attempt to delay its presentation and approval will ultimately affect the welfare of citizens. The Assembly must act responsibly and provide a date for the governor to fulfill his constitutional duty,” Nwosu stated.
According to reports from DAILY Post News, on Monday, 17 March, the legal practitioners argue that withholding a platform for the governor’s budget presentation could be seen as a calculated move to frustrate the administration’s ability to function effectively. They urged the judiciary to intervene and ensure that due process is followed.
Additionally, they called on civil society organizations, traditional rulers and stakeholders in Rivers State to speak out against actions that could disrupt governance and slow down development efforts. They maintained that political disagreements should not stand in the way of governance, as the well-being of the people must always come first.
As the legal battle unfolds, observers are keenly watching to see how the court will rule on this matter, which could set a precedent for legislative-executive relations in the state. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the governance of Rivers State and beyond.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
