Gov Fubara Signs Rivers 2026 Budget, Hails Wike Over Quick Passage

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for facilitating the process that culminated in the passage and signing of the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

Fubara signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law on Thursday at a brief ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt, describing the development as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new era of cooperation, unity and progress in the state.

The governor expressed gratitude to God, stakeholders and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget, particularly commending the lawmakers for what he described as their diligence and speed in considering the bill.

“First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward,” Fubara said.

He added: “I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life.”

Fubara also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Rivers First” mantra, assuring residents that the 2026 budget would be implemented with the welfare and development of the people as its central focus.

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

The governor specifically acknowledged Wike’s role in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the appropriation bill, saying: “Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into.”

He pledged to maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship with all arms of government and other stakeholders in the state.

“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Major Jack, presented the appropriation bill to the governor for assent.

Jack said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best interests of Rivers residents in mind, expressing the expectation that its implementation would translate into growth and development across the state.

“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state,” he said.

“It is therefore with a sense of responsibility that I respectfully present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No 1. 2026 to the Governor of Rivers State for his assent,” Jack added.

In his remarks after the signing, Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, commended Fubara over provisions contained in the budget, saying they demonstrated the administration’s readiness to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Amaewhule said the lawmakers had subjected the budget to detailed consideration before passing it.

“We took time to look at the budget and from what we saw, we want to tell you that it shows that you are willing to move forward and ensure that this democracy is actually what will get to Rivers people,” he said.

The signing of the 2026 Appropriation Bill marks a significant step towards the implementation of the state government’s programmes and projects for the new fiscal year.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Rivers State Executive Council, principal officers of the State House of Assembly and other government functionaries.