Fubara Signs 2026 Rivers Budget as Peace Returns to Assembly

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, signalling what appears to be a new phase of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government after months of political tension in the state.

Fubara, who described the budget as a “breath of fresh air”, said the development marked the beginning of a healthier relationship with the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The governor signed the budget on Thursday at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.

He expressed optimism that the ₦1.85 trillion budget would drive development across the state while strengthening cooperation between the two arms of government.

Fubara thanked God for making the occasion possible, describing the event as the start of a new working relationship with the Assembly.

He also acknowledged the role of former Rivers governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the meeting and the events that led to the passage and signing of the budget.

The Majority Leader of the Rivers Assembly, Major Jack, described the appropriation bill as an ambitious financial plan, saying lawmakers subjected the proposal to thorough scrutiny before approval.

However, the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, disclosed that the lawmakers made adjustments to the budget before passing it.

Amaewhule said the Assembly reduced the proposed ₦6 billion allocation to PAMO University of Medical Sciences after concerns over the utilisation of previous funds and the institution’s failure to provide satisfactory explanations.

He said part of the money was redirected to the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Development Board as part of efforts to ensure accountability in public spending.

The 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development”, was initially presented by Fubara in July with a total estimate of ₦1,854,248,734,475.76, representing a 24.5 per cent increase over the revised 2025 financial figures.

The signing of the budget comes amid renewed efforts to restore political stability in Rivers State, following the prolonged disagreement between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike.