{
  "id": 713235,
  "title": "No rift with Rivers Assembly over 2026 budget – Fubara",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/no-rift-with-rivers-assembly-over-2026-budget-fubara",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T00:16:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/no-rift-with-rivers-assembly-over-2026-budget-fubara/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has dismissed claims of a rift with the state House of Assembly over the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The governor had submitted a budget proposal of N1.85tn to the House on July 10, but it remained unpassed despite assurances from Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The PUNCH reported a delay in the budget presentation, attributing it to alleged issues over a lack of truce between the governor and the Assembly. However, Fubara's Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, clarified in a statement that the governor is not at loggerheads with Assembly members but is actively collaborating with them to serve the people of Rivers State. The 2026 budget is currently undergoing the standard legislative process, and the government expects it to be passed by the lawmakers once completed. The statement urged those promoting negative narratives to cease such actions, emphasizing the need for peace and unity to foster the state's development.",
  "summary": "Rivers State Governor Fubara denies any rift with the State House of Assembly over the 2026 budget, assuring the public of a smooth legislative process. Read More: https://punchng.com/no-rift-with-rivers-assembly-over-2026-budget-fubara/",
  "key_points": [
    "Governor Fubara denies rift with Rivers Assembly over 2026 budget.",
    "Budget proposal of N1.85tn submitted to House on July 10.",
    "Collaboration expected to pass budget by lawmakers."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The governor's clarification signals a return to cooperation between the executive and legislative arms, paving the way for the 2026 budget to be passed and the state's development to proceed.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "This Day",
        "title": "2026 Budget: Fubara Denies Rift With Assembly",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/2026-budget-fubara-denies-rift-with-assembly",
        "published": "2026-08-13T03:41:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}