Rivers Denies Renewed Clash Between Fubara, Lawmakers Over 2026 Budget

The Rivers State Government has denied reports of a renewed dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly over the delay in passing the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

The government described the reports as misleading, insisting that the budget proposal was still undergoing the required legislative procedures.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, the government said Fubara remained committed to working with the lawmakers for the development of the state.

Nzeshi said the governor was not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly but was working closely with them in the interest of the people.

According to him, Fubara had already presented the 2026 budget proposal to the legislature and the document was currently being considered in line with established procedures.

He expressed confidence that the lawmakers would pass the budget after completing the legislative process.

Nzeshi said Rivers State had experienced enough political difficulties and should not be drawn into another round of controversies.

He urged those promoting what he described as negative narratives to desist, stressing that peace and harmony were necessary for the continued development of the state.

The clarification comes amid renewed attention on the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.

Fubara’s return to the political camp associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had previously raised expectations of a smoother working relationship between the governor and lawmakers, particularly over the passage of the 2026 budget.