Fubara, lawmakers battle stalls Rivers N1.85tn budget

An investigation into the delay in passing Rivers State's 2026 budget has revealed fresh agreements between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly as the primary reason. The N1.854tn budget, titled "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development," was presented to lawmakers on July 10, 2026. Speaker's initial concern over its late submission has since raised doubts about the legislative process.

Projects such as the Ring Road, estimated to cost billions, are either not being carried out or executed on a limited scale, potentially due to the lack of appropriated funds. The proposed N41.4bn allocation to the state House of Assembly has also drawn mixed reactions, with some stakeholders defending the amount, claiming the House needs adequate funding, while others find it excessive.

Reports indicate that the governor and lawmakers reached undisclosed agreements before allowing the late presentation of the budget. However, Governor Fubara has alleged failure to fulfil most of these agreements. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment in the governor's lack of fulfilment of the agreements, stating that the budget will be passed despite this.

Tensions have risen between the governor and the lawmakers due to broken promises and unkept agreements, leading to a delay in the budget's passage. The House of Assembly's trust in the governor remains low, and they seek clarity on the bill's status to avoid a constitutional crisis.