The N1.854tn 2026 Rivers State budget remains pending one month after Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented it to the state House of Assembly. The delay follows fresh disagreements between Fubara and lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Fubara presented the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development” on July 10, 2026. The presentation came after months of political tension in the state. However, the Assembly has yet to pass the budget. This has raised concerns over the implementation of government projects and programmes across the state.
Wike speaks on budget delay
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, recently linked the delay to agreements reached between Fubara and the lawmakers. Wike alleged that the governor had failed to fulfil most of the agreements reached with the lawmakers. He cited funding for the State House of Assembly Service Commission and the provision of official vehicles.
“I will tell you totally that the governor has failed 90 per cent of what they all agreed on.
“Take, for example, he did not release funds to the State Assembly Commission and the rest of them. Cars were not provided.
“Therefore, it’s better, and it’s good for the interest of the state to work with the family. It’s all over the world.”
Despite the disagreement, Wike said the budget would eventually be passed and sent to the governor for assent.
Lawmakers demand fulfilled agreements
A source close to the Assembly said lawmakers had reached agreements with Fubara before allowing him to present the budget. The source said some of the agreements involved lawmakers’ benefits, entitlements and constituency projects.
To resolve the lingering political crisis, the governor met with the lawmakers on his 2026 appropriation bill. They had an agreement, and the deal paved the way for the lawmakers to allow the governor to present his appropriation bill.
“But the governor has not been able to fulfil the agreements. Nobody forced him to enter into the agreement, which the lawmakers know is within his capacity to fulfil. Instead of doing it once, he is doing it in piecemeal.”
The source also said the dispute had created a trust deficit between both sides.
“The House of Assembly does not trust the governor because of a series of broken promises and unfulfilled agreements. So, in any new agreement, they want the governor to satisfy his own side of the bargain first.”
Stakeholders call for quick passage
The Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, Obinna Ebogidi, urged the executive and legislature to clarify the situation and ensure the budget moves forward.
“I think the most important thing at this point is for Rivers people to have clarity on where the 2026 budget currently stands.”
Ebogidi said political activities ahead of the 2027 elections should not affect governance.
“Those developments are part of politics and should be allowed to take their course. But irrespective of the political arrangements around 2027, the government must continue to function.”
He urged both sides to resolve their differences in the interest of residents. “My appeal is really for both the executive and the legislature to give Rivers people some clarity and urgency.
“If issues are delaying the process, let citizens understand them. If there are none, then the budget should move forward.”
The National President of the South-South Youths Initiative, Oscar Imeabe, also expressed concern over the delay.
“One month after Governor Fubara presented the 2026 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, the budget is still pending.
“The question Rivers people are asking is simple: Won’t this delay affect governance and the execution of projects across the state?
“Budgets are the blueprint for development. Every day of delay is a day of delayed roads, schools, hospitals, and youth programmes.
“We urge the House of Assembly to prioritise the passage of the budget so the government can continue to serve the people effectively.”
Read also: Rivers crisis: Wike says Fubara lost second-term opportunity
