Fubara rejects claims of budget clash with Rivers Assembly

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has pushed back against suggestions that his administration is at odds with the state legislature over the 2026 Appropriation Bill. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor's office issued a statement dismissing reports of disagreement between the executive and Rivers State House of Assembly on the budget proposal.

The governor submitted the budget estimate worth N1.85 trillion to lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule on July 10. More than a month after submission, the Assembly had not yet passed the proposal into law, prompting media reports speculating about potential tensions between the two arms of government.

Fubara's office characterised the reports as misleading and unfounded, maintaining that the budget remains in the standard legislative review process. The governor stated his administration continues to work collaboratively with Assembly members toward the budget's passage.

Speaker Amaewhule had previously noted concern about the late submission of the budget but indicated lawmakers would give it adequate attention and move it through the necessary procedures. The governor's denial comes as Rivers State, like other Nigerian states, navigates the budgeting cycle that typically involves executive submission and legislative approval stages.

The delay in budget passage, while not uncommon, had generated questions about potential friction between Fubara's administration and the Assembly, which the governor's office has now formally rejected.