Rivers Government Defends 2024 Budget Amid Court Ruling
By Wisdom Tide
October 16, 2024
The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed the validity of its N800 billion 2024 budget, dismissing calls for its resubmission despite a recent Federal High Court ruling. The budget, passed by the Edison Ehie-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, remains in force, according to the government.
Budget Already Enacted into Law
Peter Medee, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized on Wednesday that the 2024 budget has been fully enacted and is already being implemented. Speaking during a radio program in Port Harcourt, Medee described the ongoing contestation of the budget as unnecessary.
“The budget was lawfully passed and is being implemented. Contesting it at this point is a waste of time and resources,” Medee said, responding to recent legal and political developments.
Court Ruling and Request for Resubmission
The controversy stems from a Federal High Court ruling that annulled the budget passed by the Ehie-led faction of the Assembly. In response, the Bright Amaewhule-led faction, which is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, requested that Governor Siminalayi Fubara resubmit the budget for approval.
This request, made on Tuesday, reflects the ongoing political struggle between the two factions. However, the state government has firmly rejected the need for resubmission, arguing that the budget was properly passed and remains effective.
Government's Position on Factional Dispute
The Rivers State Government has also questioned the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led faction, citing the defection of its members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The government contends that their seats are now vacant, further undermining their request for budget resubmission.
Conclusion
As the political and legal battles continue, the Rivers State Government remains focused on executing its 2024 budget. With the budget already in effect, the administration views any efforts to challenge or resubmit it as futile, signaling its intent to move forward with its financial and economic agenda
0 Comments