Tension in Rivers Over Delayed ₦1.854tn Budget Passage

Fresh tension has emerged in Rivers State regarding the delayed passage of the ₦1.854 trillion budget for 2026, presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly on July 10, 2026. Over a month after the presentation, the appropriation bill has not received legislative approval, raising concerns about the relationship between the governor and the lawmakers despite previous reconciliation efforts.

This was Fubara's first appearance before the Assembly since a political crisis erupted in 2023. The proposed budget allocates ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and approximately ₦1.405 trillion for capital projects, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development.

Allegations have surfaced that Fubara has not fulfilled agreements made with lawmakers regarding their benefits and constituency projects, which has contributed to the delay. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara's predecessor, commented on the situation, indicating that the reconciliation process has not fully resolved the disagreements.