Rivers Crisis: Governor Fubara Bows to Wike’s Pressure, Withdraws Budget Appeal

 In a major political development, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has withdrawn his Supreme Court appeal challenging the nullification of the state’s 2024 budget, signaling a concession in his power struggle with former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Wike, announced the withdrawal on Monday, stating that Fubara had accepted the appellate court’s ruling.

The budget crisis began in December 2023 when Fubara presented his financial plan to a faction of the Rivers State Assembly led by Edison Ehie. However, lawmakers loyal to Wike, led by Martins Amaewhule, rejected it as illegitimate.

The Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling in January 2024, declaring the budget void and directing Fubara to present it to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

With the case now withdrawn, the political landscape in Rivers remains tense, with observers awaiting the governor’s next move.