By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt
The Rivers State Government has dismissed reports of a fresh disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly over the delay in the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The government described the reports as false and misleading, saying the budget proposal was undergoing the normal legislative process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, the government said Fubara was working closely with the lawmakers in the interest of the state.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State,” Nzeshi said.
He explained that the 2026 budget proposal had already been presented to the House of Assembly and was currently undergoing legislative consideration.
“The 2026 budget proposal has been presented to the House of Assembly; it is going through the normal legislative process and we strongly believe that once the process is completed, it will be passed by the lawmakers,” he said.
Nzeshi said the state government had gone through difficult times in the past and was not prepared to be drawn into another round of controversies.
“We therefore advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist from such actions forthwith, as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State,” he added.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of the political developments in the state and renewed attention on the relationship between the executive and legislative arms.
Fubara’s decision to return to the political camp associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier raised expectations that the budget would receive a smooth passage in the State House of Assembly.
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