Fubara confirmed he would not present the 2024 budget to the assembly under Amaewhule's leadership, instead concentrating on the 2025 budget. He underscored that the defected lawmakers no longer hold legitimate positions in the state legislature, as their seats were declared vacant in December 2023. Addressing the defectors, Fubara remarked, "In our 2025 budget, which we've already started, don't worry about those people who are delusional. They think we are still sleeping." He attributed their defection to divine intervention, noting that their error was part of a larger plan, and reflected on his initial willingness to assist them.