By Taiwo Scholarstica
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly for consideration and approval, marking a significant step in the state’s budget process.
Governor Fubara arrived at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters Auditorium, where lawmakers have been holding plenary sessions, and proceeded into the venue to formally lay the budget before the legislators. His arrival at the Assembly complex was broadcast live by Africa Independent Television.
The budget presentation came shortly after the House approved the state’s 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, a development that paved the way for the governor to submit the 2026 Appropriation Bill for legislative consideration.
The Assembly has continued to conduct its sittings at the Quarters Auditorium following the destruction of its legislative chamber during the political crisis that rocked the state about three years ago.
Friday’s presentation also follows months of uncertainty surrounding the state’s 2026 budget due to the prolonged political standoff between Governor Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
The budget process had earlier generated public attention after President Bola Tinubu, during the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, presented the state’s budget to the National Assembly for approval following the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
Fubara’s appearance before the Assembly is widely seen as another indication of renewed cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government after recent reconciliation efforts between the governor and members of the House.
The development has raised hopes that both arms of government will work together more closely to address the state’s fiscal priorities and ensure the smooth implementation of programmes captured in the 2026 budget.