Amid signs of fresh Rivers Crisis, the Rivers State Government has dismissed reports of a rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly over the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, clarified that the executive and legislative branches are not in conflict over the budget, addressing widespread rumors of a breakdown in relations.
Nzeshi emphasized that Governor Fubara is working closely with members of the assembly to advance the development and interests of the people of Rivers State.
“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 statement reads.
According to Nzeshi, the house had already received the 2026 budget plan and was going via the standard legislative procedure.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s past difficulties, the governor’s aide stated that the administration has no interest in getting drawn into another round of political conflict.
He emphasized that peace and harmony are essential for Rivers State’s ongoing development, urging those promoting negative narratives to desist.
Backstory…
The denial comes against the backdrop of previous Rivers crisis long and bitter political feud, which previously pitted Governor Siminalayi Fubara against lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
That dispute contributed to a split in the State House of Assembly, impeachment threats and a wider governance crisis that eventually led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers in March 2025.
Although the political crisis has since eased, fresh reports emerged this week suggesting another disagreement between Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly over the delay in passing the state’s ₦1.854 trillion 2026 budget.
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