The Rivers State Government has dismissed reports of a fresh disagreement 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 false and misleading, stressing that the budget proposal was still undergoing the normal legislative process.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, the state government said Fubara remained committed to working with the lawmakers in the interest of Rivers State.
Nzeshi said, “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.”
According to him, the 2026 budget proposal has already been presented before the Assembly and is currently being subjected to legislative consideration.
He expressed confidence that the lawmakers would pass the proposal once the legislative process was completed.
Nzeshi also urged those promoting reports of another political confrontation between the executive and legislature to desist, saying the state could not afford a return to prolonged political tensions.
“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,” he said.
The clarification comes amid renewed political attention in Rivers State following recent developments involving the governor and the political camp associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara’s return to the political camp linked to Wike had raised expectations that the relationship between the governor and the lawmakers would improve and that the 2026 budget would receive a smooth legislative passage.
The state government, however, maintained that the budget process was proceeding normally and that there was no fresh rift between the governor and the Assembly.
