Wike Criticizes Fubara Over Budget Presentation Delay

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, criticized River State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for neglecting the presentation of the state’s budget in favor of his 2027 political ambitions. During a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike expressed concern over the misplaced priorities of the governor, warning that failing to present the budget could hinder the smooth operation of government activities and the delivery of essential services to residents.

The River State House of Assembly, led by a faction loyal to Wike, accused Fubara of insincerity in implementing a recent Supreme Court judgment that mandated the presentation of the 2025 budget. Fubara had proposed a budget of N1.1 trillion for 2025, but the Supreme Court had directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold the state’s allocations until the budget was presented.

Fubara's faction requested a new date for the budget presentation, but access to the assembly was denied on the scheduled day.