Fubara signs first budget as Rivers governor after crisis

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, signed the N1.85 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on Thursday. This event could signal a new beginning in his administration's relationship with the state legislature after a long political crisis.

The signing took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt. This is the first budget Mr Fubara has approved since he became governor in 2023.

Mr Fubara called this development "a breath of fresh air". He is hopeful that the passage and signing of the budget will bring about cooperation among the state’s political leaders.

He praised the Rivers State House of Assembly for its hard work in processing the budget. His spokesperson, Onwuka Nzeshi, shared this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

N1.85 trillion budget

Earlier on Thursday, the Assembly passed the budget, approving a total of N1,849,648,734,475.08 for the 2026 fiscal year, which ends on September 2, 2027.

Mr Fubara had presented the budget to the legislature in July. He called it the "Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development." The budget proposed over N1.4 trillion for capital projects and more than N413 billion for ongoing expenses.

The Assembly based its budget estimates on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for 2026 to 2028. They focused on fiscal discipline and transparency in managing public funds.

However, the lawmakers removed N6 billion that was set aside as grants for PAMO University of Medical Sciences and Wigwe University. This decision was made pending an investigation into who the actual beneficiaries are, according to Martins Wachukwu, the spokesperson for the assembly speaker.

They also suggested funding for the Primary Health Management Board to rebuild its storage facility at No. 2 Accra Street, which was damaged by fire.

Fubara thanks Wike

In a sign of the changing political climate, Mr Fubara thanked his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He referred to Mr Wike as "our leader."

This acknowledgment is important, especially since there was a political crisis between Mr Fubara and Mr Wike that split the state’s political scene and legislature.

The crisis led to serious disagreements over control of the Assembly, governance, and future political plans. Mr Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Mr Wike often found themselves on opposing sides.

But the ceremony on Thursday showed a different atmosphere, with the governor and Assembly leadership openly discussing cooperation.

Mr Fubara said his administration would keep working on its "Rivers First" agenda. He emphasized that the welfare of residents would be at the center of the budget's implementation.

"I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state," he said.

Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule praised the governor. He said the budget showed that Mr Fubara was ready to deliver benefits to Rivers residents.

The Majority Leader, Major Jack, expressed hope that the budget would bring the growth and development the state needs.

Mr Fubara concluded the ceremony by promising a good relationship with the legislature and other stakeholders.

"Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward," he said.