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Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
This historic presentation marks the governor’s first appearance before this faction since a fierce 2023 political crisis fractured the state legislature.
The event signals a major truce after nearly three years of parallel legislative sittings, rival budget proposals, and a federal intervention that briefly saw the Senate manage the state’s finances during a state of emergency.
Dubbed the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the 2026 proposal projects a 24.49 per cent increase in revenue over the adjusted 2025 budget.
Governor Fubara expects higher receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), derivation funds, and internally generated revenue to fund the fiscal year.
The administration has earmarked ₦413.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and allocated ₦1.405 trillion to capital projects. Governor Fubara plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent while clearing outstanding gratuities and death benefits for retired civil servants.
He promised strict accountability, emphasising that his administration will manage public funds prudently to create jobs and protect the collective interests of the people. The governor urged the lawmakers to swiftly pass the blueprint to accelerate development and raise living standards across the state.
Speaker Amaewhule received the bill at the Assembly Quarters Auditorium—the temporary venue used since the bombing of the main legislative chamber three years ago.
Following an immediate review, the bill passed its first reading.
Amaewhule assured the governor that the Assembly would thoroughly consider the proposal, emphasising their shared responsibility to drive growth and bring relief to the citizens of Rivers State.
The session concluded with a stark shift in political tone, as Governor Fubara and the lawmakers exchanged warm pleasantries and posed for a group photograph.
This display of executive-legislative harmony stands in sharp contrast to years of bitter political feuds. The House subsequently adjourned plenary until July 20.
