Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, says preparations are in top gear for him to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill at the newly reconstructed House of Assembly complex currently being executed by his administration.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting ongoing construction work at the site located along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
He expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of the project, describing the contractors as committed to meeting the state’s expectations.
According to him, the main contractor, MCC, has already subcontracted the interior works to Julius Berger to accelerate delivery and ensure top-notch finishing.
“I feel very impressed with what I have seen. The contractors informed me that they fast-tracked the delivery of this place according to our projection. The interior and every other work have already been sub-let to a reputable company, Julius Berger,” Fubara said during the inspection.
The governor noted that the new building—currently rising on the site of the former complex that was demolished after it was gutted by fire during the state’s intense political crisis—should be ready before the end of December.
Fubara also emphasized the need for lawmakers to return to the permanent complex, saying the temporary chamber at their residential quarters is no longer ideal now that peace has been restored.
“We have been working seriously hard to make sure that their permanent sitting chambers are put in place. You know the drama that surrounded our relationship before. But by the special grace of God, now that everything has been sorted out, it is our desire to ensure that the Assembly comes back to their normal and rightful sitting,” he stated.
Speaking further, the governor explained that while the undamaged section of the old building would be handled by the Speaker, his administration is determined to complete all major reconstruction works ahead of the budget presentation.
“I strongly believe that before the end of December, this particular place should be set… so that by the time we will be presenting our budget for 2026, we will do it in the main hallowed chambers, in the dignified manner that befits us,” he added.
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The Rivers State Assembly complex was bombed in October 2023 amid a fierce political standoff that saw two Speakers emerge—one loyal to then FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the other aligned with Governor Fubara.
Both factions operated separately until the Supreme Court affirmed Martin Amaewhule, the pro-Wike Speaker, as the legitimate head of the Assembly, escalating the crisis and culminating in an attempted impeachment of Fubara.
With tensions rising, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in the state, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the lawmakers. Former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was appointed as the state’s administrator during the period.
All suspended officials were reinstated on September 18 following the expiration of the emergency rule, with both Fubara and Wike later declaring that peace had returned to the state.