The Rivers State Government has dismissed reports of a rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly over the 2026 Appropriation Bill, saying both arms are working together in the interest of the state.
In a statement signed yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, the government described claims of a face-off between the executive and legislature as false.
The clarification followed reports that fresh disagreements were behind the delay in passing the N1.854 trillion 2026 budget, more than a month after it was presented.
Fubara laid the fiscal document before the House on June 10, after the expiration of the budget approved for Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the end of the six-month constitutional grace window. Speaker Martin Amaewhule had faulted the late presentation.
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A source in the Assembly, who spoke in confidence, insisted that disagreements between the governor and lawmakers stalled consideration of the bill.
But the government said the proposal was going through due process.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is not at loggerheads with members of the House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State,” the statement said.
“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.”
The government appealed to political actors and stakeholders to avoid narratives capable of reopening political wounds.
“The Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies,” it added.
“We therefore advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist forthwith as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State.”
