HURIWA backs governor Fubara on 2025 budget, denounces defected lawmakers

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has thrown its weight behind Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.

The move, applauded by HURIWA, follows protests from defected lawmakers aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.

Governor Fubara presented the N1.188 trillion “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development” to Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and other recognized Assembly leaders at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

HURIWA commended the governor for adhering to constitutional provisions and prioritizing the welfare of Rivers residents.

HURIWA reiterated that lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had vacated their seats as mandated by Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

The association referenced a Rivers State High Court ruling in May 2024 that declared the defected lawmakers’ seats vacant and barred them from legislative activities.

“The court’s decision, upheld by the Court of Appeal, reaffirmed the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law,” HURIWA stated, criticizing efforts by the defected lawmakers to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration.

Governor Fubara’s 2025 budget focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable growth. It allocates:N195 billion for road infrastructure,
N31 billion for agricultural programs,N63 billion for education and N97.75 billion for healthcare

HURIWA praised the governor’s balanced 44:56 recurrent-to-capital expenditure ratio and his administration’s record-breaking increase in internally generated revenue (IGR), which rose by N100 billion in 2024.

“Governor Fubara’s fiscal prudence and commitment to transparency have positioned Rivers State as a beacon of good governance,” HURIWA noted.

The association condemned reports of judicial bias, including alleged housing and land allocations to federal judges by FCT Minister Wike, describing such acts as unconstitutional and detrimental to judicial independence.

HURIWA also criticized Wike’s political duplicity, noting his simultaneous affiliations with PDP and APC-aligned initiatives.

“This exposes the opportunistic tendencies of some Nigerian politicians,” the group remarked.

HURIWA urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacant Assembly seats, ensuring full representation for affected constituencies.

The association encouraged Governor Fubara to prioritize impactful initiatives outlined in the budget, including modernizing public transportation, expanding agricultural programs, rehabilitating schools, enhancing healthcare, and advancing energy projects.

“HURIWA commends Governor Fubara’s steadfast leadership and refusal to succumb to political blackmail. His commitment to the Constitution and democratic dividends sets a high standard for governance in Nigeria.”