Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed reports of a disagreement between his administration and the state House of Assembly over the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The governor had on July 10 submitted a N1.85tn budget proposal to the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly for consideration and passage.
However, more than a month after its presentation, the proposal was yet to be passed into law, despite earlier assurances from Speaker Amaewhule that the lawmakers would give the estimate the necessary attention in the interest of the state.
The delay had also fuelled speculation about unresolved differences between the executive and legislative arms of government. Journalists had reported in its July 12 edition that the budget presentation was delayed after the Assembly conducted its first reading amid alleged concerns over the absence of a truce between Fubara and the lawmakers.
But Fubara, through his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Wednesday said there was no dispute between the two arms of government.
In a statement titled, ‘Fubara, not at loggerheads with Rivers State House of Assembly’, Nzeshi said the budget was currently undergoing the normal legislative process and expressed confidence that it would be passed once consideration was completed.
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The statement read, “The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a news item published in some national dailies and online platforms insinuating that there is a disagreement between the executive and legislative arms of the Rivers State Government over the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
We wish to make it abundantly clear that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State.
“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 Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies.
“We, therefore, advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist from such actions forthwith as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State.”