Rivers State budget signals new era of cooperation
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a turning point for the state, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” that will usher in a new chapter of growth, accountability, and collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt after signing the bill into law, Governor Fubara emphasised his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and a constructive relationship with the State House of Assembly. He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity and acknowledged the role played by former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating dialogue that paved the way for the budget’s approval.
Nkereuwem Effiong
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill as a turning point for the state, describing it as a “breath of fresh air” that will usher in a new chapter of growth, accountability, and collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Speaking at the Government House in Port Harcourt after signing the bill into law, Governor Fubara emphasised his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and a constructive relationship with the State House of Assembly. He expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity and acknowledged the role played by former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating dialogue that paved the way for the budget’s approval.
The governor noted that the budget, christened the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” represents more than just figures on paper. He said it symbolises a renewed spirit of cooperation, one that will ensure Rivers State continues to thrive despite challenges.
Presenting the bill for assent, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Major Jack, described the appropriation as ambitious, stressing that lawmakers had subjected the estimates to rigorous scrutiny to guarantee that the budget would deliver tangible benefits to the people.
Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, revealed that the legislature had made adjustments to the governor’s original proposal. Notably, the Assembly reduced the N6 billion allocation to PAMO University of Medical Sciences, a private institution that has historically received state scholarships for River’s indigenes. The Speaker explained that the decision followed the university’s failure to provide satisfactory details on its use of funds and its refusal to appear before the Assembly.
Amaewhule clarified that part of the reallocated funds would now strengthen the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, reflecting the Assembly’s oversight duty to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending.
Governor Fubara had earlier presented a fiscal estimate of ₦1.85 trillion, representing a 24.5 per cent increase over the revised 2025 figures. The governor expressed confidence that the budget would not only stimulate economic growth but also reinforce the resilience of Rivers State in the face of evolving challenges.
With the signing of the 2026 budget, Rivers State appears poised for a new era of governance marked by cooperation, accountability, and a shared vision for progress. The development underscores the importance of constructive dialogue between political leaders and institutions in shaping the future of the state.
