APC Decries Unconstitutionality in Rivers State as Governor Signs 2024 Budget into Law
The signing of the Rivers State 2024 appropriation bill by Governor Gov. Siminalayi Fubara has sparked controversy, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) deeming it unconstitutional.
Fubara presented the ambitious N800 billion budget to a four-member faction of the Rivers House of Assembly, led by Edison Ehie, who swiftly passed the budget after declaring the seats of 27 members, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, vacant.
The APC, however, raised concerns about the constitutionality of Fubara’s budget presentation to the truncated assembly. Tony Okocha, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, asserted in a statement in Port Harcourt that the action violated Section 120(2) of the Constitution, which stipulates that no money shall be spent without appropriation by the state House of Assembly. Okocha argued that presenting the bill to the suspended members did not meet the constitutional requirements.
Despite the controversy, Governor Fubara proceeded to sign the N800 billion 2024 budget into law, a mere 24 hours after its presentation to the reduced State House of Assembly. During the ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara emphasized that the budget would lay the foundation for significant road projects connecting communities across the state.
The governor highlighted key projects, including the Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2 and the Elele-Omoku Road project, as central to his administration’s agenda. He assured citizens that the projects outlined in the budget would be executed diligently, making a positive impact on the lives of the people.
Source: PM News
