Lawyer and human rights activist, Liborous Oshoma, has weighed in on the political turmoil in Rivers State, particularly concerning Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s ability to re-present the state budget amidst legislative disputes. Speaking during an interview with Arise News from 33:07, Oshoma argued that there is no legal impediment preventing the governor from submitting the budget to the State House of Assembly, as recognized by the Court of Appeal.
“In the absence of a Superior Court Order sacking the members of the State House of Assembly, I don’t see why the Governor should not be able to re-present the budget,” Oshoma stated, emphasizing the pressing need for the governor to act decisively. “He’s fighting a battle of his life. He should not play into the hands of people that want his head in the guillotine.”
The crisis stems from ongoing political wrangling between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. With factions of the State House of Assembly embroiled in the conflict, some members have questioned the legitimacy of the legislative body’s operations.
However, Oshoma stressed that as long as the Court of Appeal recognizes the Assembly’s current membership, the governor has no constitutional barrier to re-engage them on critical matters like the state budget.
“It’s a simple thing, but it’s all politics,” Oshoma noted, highlighting how political considerations are exacerbating the crisis.