Rivers denies renewed clash between Fubara, lawmakers over 2026 budget

The Rivers State Government has refuted claims of a renewed disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly concerning the delay in approving the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The administration dismissed the reports as inaccurate, maintaining that the budget proposal was still undergoing the necessary legislative procedures.

A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, affirmed that Fubara was committed to collaborating with the lawmakers for the advancement of the state. Governor Fubara had already submitted the 2026 budget proposal to the legislature, and it was currently being reviewed in accordance with established protocols, stated Nzeshi.

The 2026 budget proposal has been introduced to the House of Assembly and is undergoing the standard legislative process, according to Nzeshi. The state has encountered enough political challenges, and there is no need for additional disputes, advised Nzeshi. He urged those promoting negative narratives to cease such activities immediately, emphasizing the necessity of peace and harmony for the steady development of Rivers State.

This response comes as attention has returned to the relationship between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State. Fubara's reintegration into the political faction led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had initially raised hopes for a more cooperative working relationship between the governor and the lawmakers, particularly regarding the passage of the 2026 budget.