Rivers governor presents first appropriation bill before the reunited House since the 2023 political crisis, pledging more spending on infrastructure, education, healthcare and job creation…..
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first budget presentation before the Martin Amaewhule-led legislature since the political crisis that fractured the Assembly in 2023.
The presentation, held at the Assembly complex, highlighted a dramatic shift in the relationship between the executive and legislature after months of political tensions that had resulted in parallel sittings and rival legislative activities.
Proceedings began with Speaker Martin Amaewhule taking his seat in full official regalia before lawmakers formally moved a motion to receive the governor. The motion, moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, paved the way for Fubara’s entrance into the chamber to present the budget estimates.
Tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” the proposed spending plan is valued at ₦1.854 trillion, representing a 24.49 per cent increase over the revised 2025 budget.
Governor Fubara said the budget was carefully designed to drive economic expansion, accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen healthcare and education, and deepen social investment programmes across Rivers State.
According to him, the projected revenue will be driven by improved allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), increased derivation earnings and stronger internally generated revenue.
A breakdown of the proposal shows that ₦413.1 billion has been set aside for recurrent expenditure, while ₦1.405 trillion is dedicated to capital projects.
The capital component includes ₦533.3 billion for roads and other infrastructure projects, ₦315 billion for education, ₦105.4 billion for healthcare, ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly, ₦30 billion for the judiciary and ₦19.3 billion for agriculture, alongside funding for other key sectors.
Fubara also disclosed plans to increase overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) by at least 50 per cent, while promising to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants.
The governor said his administration remained committed to prudent financial management, transparency and accountability, assuring residents that public funds would be deployed to projects capable of improving livelihoods and creating employment opportunities.
“We will ensure every kobo is spent wisely to create jobs for our people. The collective interests of our people are most important to us as a government,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers to give the proposal speedy consideration, describing it as a people-focused budget aimed at stimulating investment, expanding economic opportunities and improving the welfare of Rivers residents.
“Let us join hands to make sure Rivers State continues to stand out in good governance,” the governor added before handing over the budget document to Speaker Amaewhule.
Responding on behalf of the Assembly, Amaewhule assured the governor that lawmakers would give the proposal the attention it deserves.
“Let me assure you on behalf of the members that we will give due consideration to your budget proposals,” the Speaker said.
He stressed the Assembly’s commitment to working in the interest of the state, adding that development should remain the collective priority.
“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State,” he said.
“We are willing to do all that is needed as an assembly so our people can smile again.”
The bill was immediately read for the first time before plenary was adjourned to July 20.
After the proceedings, Governor Fubara exchanged handshakes and pleasantries with members of the Assembly before leaving the chamber alongside Speaker Amaewhule for a group photograph, a symbolic display of renewed cooperation between both arms of government after nearly three years of political division.
The budget presentation marks one of the clearest signs yet that political tensions in Rivers State have eased, following the recent reconciliation between Governor Fubara and lawmakers that brought an end to the prolonged leadership crisis within the state’s legislature.
