A former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the delay in presenting the 2026 budget to the State House of Assembly, warning that any public spending without legislative approval is illegal.
Ewor spoke on Wednesday during a “thank you” visit to Ahoada East Local Government Area by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“Fubara cannot effectively administer the state without synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government,” he said, adding that all arms of government must work together to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Rivers.
Although the state’s Executive Council reportedly approved a N1.85 trillion budget for 2026 on 2 January, the document has yet to be submitted to the Assembly, according to Ewor.
The remarks come against the backdrop of past political tensions in Rivers, including President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025, which was lifted in September.
During the visit, Ahoada East Local Government Council Chairman, Solomon Ochoma, commended Wike for his grassroots initiatives, describing the visit as a demonstration of decisive action and development.
He pledged alignment with Wike’s vision for local prosperity and state growth.
State Assembly member for Ahoada East I, Queen William, also praised Wike for empowering women during his tenure.
“The women of the LGA will continue to work with him and follow him wherever he goes,” she said.
In his address, Wike said the visit was to thank residents for supporting President Tinubu in 2023 and to mobilise them ahead of the 2027 elections.
He highlighted projects delivered under his administration, including community road networks and 10,000 youth jobs, noting that many were allegedly halted by Fubara.
Describing Fubara as “a bad child with no gratitude,” Wike urged residents to support progressive leaders to ensure continued development in the state.
