Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, has signed the N1.854 trillion 2026 Rivers State Appropriation Bill into law, describing it as a breath of fresh air and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the State.
A Government House statement signed by Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said that the signing ceremony took place on Thursday inside Government House with Fubara expressing gratitude to God, stakeholders, and the state House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget.
“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,” he said.
The budget had been the subject of debate due to the silence surrounding it since the governor presented it to the legislature over a month ago.
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But, Governor Fubara particularly commended the lawmakers for their diligence and speed in handling the budget at a critical time in the history of the state.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, to the Rivers First mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.
“I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
Governor Fubara specially acknowledged the role of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law.
“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” he stated.
He also appreciated his family for their support, noting that governance is a collective responsibility, and further pledged to ensure a cordial working relationship with all arms of government and stakeholders going forward.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” Governor Fubara said.
Martin Amaewhule, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, commended Governor Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the administration is prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“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 stated.
Major Jack, Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, had while presenting the bill to Fubara for assent, said the lawmakers had passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it will be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, principal officers of the State House of Assembly, and other government functionaries.
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