Rivers, Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Photo: State government

The Rivers State Government has denied reports of a renewed dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly over the delay in passing the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The government dismissed the reports as misleading, insisting that the budget proposal was still undergoing the required legislative procedures.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, the government said Fubara remained committed to working with the lawmakers for the development 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.

According to him, the governor had already presented the 2026 budget proposal to the legislature and the document was currently being considered in line with established procedures.

“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 had experienced enough political difficulties and should not be dragged 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 amid renewed interest in the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.

Fubara’s return to the political camp associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had previously raised expectations of a smoother working relationship between the governor and the lawmakers, particularly on the passage of the 2026 budget.

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