On Sunday, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced his intentions to present the 2025 state budget to the faction of the House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

This declaration came during the official inauguration of two state-of-the-art community town halls and the launch of a tertiary scholarship and empowerment initiative in Akiama and Aganya communities, located within the Bonny Local Government Area, on Saturday. Fubara praised the harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative branches, citing their collaborative efforts in the screening of nominees and the swift approval of executive bills.

Represented at the event by Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff at the Government House, Fubara highlighted the significance of collaboration between the government and the Assembly in enhancing the welfare of the state’s residents.

In a statement released in Port Harcourt by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara expressed, “The government and the citizens of Rivers State extend heartfelt congratulations to you for being a commendable representative of the Ibani Kingdom. We assure you that while the legislative arm operates independently, we will persist in our collaboration to secure prosperity for our people.”

He continued, “I express my gratitude to you, Mr. Speaker, for your unwavering support towards the Rivers State government, evident in your cooperation. The Speaker has played a significant role in facilitating the screening of caretaker committee chairpersons and expediting executive requests, and he will soon be instrumental in the passage of the 2025 budget.”

Fubara also remarked on the importance of constituency projects as a reflection of elected officials’ dedication to their constituents, questioning the contributions of 25 former Assembly members who had withdrawn from their positions and their lack of visible projects or initiatives.

In response, Oko-Jumbo expressed gratitude to the Bonny Kingdom’s residents for their support of the 10th Assembly and reaffirmed his commitment to backing the governor, emphasizing that the Assembly would remain focused despite any opposition from those against the state’s interests.