Governor’s first appearance before Speaker Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the 2023 political crisis marks a significant shift in Rivers politics as lawmakers commence consideration of the record budget.
By Anthony Amadi
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — July 10, 2026
In what political observers are describing as a defining moment in Rivers State’s post-crisis governance, Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday presented a ₦1.854 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, ending nearly three years of strained executive-legislative relations that had paralysed the state’s political landscape.
The presentation, tagged the “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” represents not only the state’s largest proposed budget in recent history but also the governor’s first official appearance before the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly since the political crisis that fractured the legislature in 2023.
The event projected an image of restored institutional cooperation following months of political negotiations and reconciliation efforts that have sought to reunite the executive and legislative arms of government.
A Symbolic Return to the Assembly
Thursday’s proceedings carried symbolism beyond fiscal policy.
Before the governor’s arrival, Speaker Martin Amaewhule entered the legislative chamber in full ceremonial regalia, signalling the formal restoration of legislative proceedings.
A motion inviting Governor Fubara into the chamber was moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and seconded by Minority Leader Sylvanus Nwankwo, reflecting bipartisan support for the budget presentation.
The governor was subsequently ushered into the chamber where he formally laid the 2026 Appropriation Bill before lawmakers.
The development marked a remarkable turnaround from the prolonged political impasse that saw rival legislative factions holding parallel sittings and budget presentations over the past three years.
Inside the ₦1.854 Trillion Budget
Governor Fubara told lawmakers that the proposed budget was designed to consolidate economic growth while accelerating infrastructure development, improving social services and expanding opportunities for residents across Rivers State.
According to the governor, the proposed expenditure represents a 24.49 per cent increase over the adjusted 2025 budget.
He attributed the projected revenue growth to:
- Increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC);
- Higher derivation revenue;
- Improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); and
- Enhanced fiscal management.
Capital Projects Dominate Spending Plan
A breakdown of the proposed budget shows a strong emphasis on capital investment.
Of the total proposal:
- ₦1.405 trillion is allocated for capital expenditure.
- ₦413.1 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
Major allocations include:
- ₦533.3 billion for works and infrastructure.
- ₦315 billion for education.
- ₦105.4 billion for healthcare.
- ₦41.4 billion for the Rivers State House of Assembly.
- ₦30 billion for the judiciary.
- ₦19.3 billion for agriculture.
The spending priorities indicate the administration’s intention to invest heavily in physical infrastructure while strengthening human capital development.
Commitment to Civil Servants
Governor Fubara also announced measures aimed at improving public service efficiency and employee welfare.
Among the highlights of the proposal are:
- A minimum 50 per cent increase in overhead allocations to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs);
- Payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants; and
- Settlement of outstanding death benefits.
The governor said these measures would improve government operations while rewarding public servants for their contributions.
Fiscal Discipline Remains Priority
Addressing lawmakers, Governor Fubara maintained that his administration had prioritised prudent financial management despite prevailing economic challenges.
He pledged continued adherence to transparency, accountability and responsible utilisation of public resources.
“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,” the governor said.
He described the proposed budget as a people-focused development framework intended to stimulate investment, generate employment and improve living standards across Rivers State.
Assembly Pledges Speedy Consideration
Receiving the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Martin Amaewhule assured the governor that lawmakers would discharge their constitutional responsibility with diligence.
He emphasised that the Assembly remained committed to supporting policies capable of advancing the state’s development.
“Our state has to grow, and all hands have to be on deck for the growth of Rivers State,” Amaewhule stated.
He further assured the governor that the House would carefully scrutinise the estimates before passage.
The Appropriation Bill subsequently scaled first reading before the Assembly adjourned plenary until July 20, 2026.
Beyond the Budget: A Political Turning Point
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the day’s proceedings was the atmosphere of cordiality that followed the formal presentation.
Governor Fubara exchanged handshakes and conversations with lawmakers before departing the chamber alongside Speaker Amaewhule and members of the House for a group photograph.
The images stood in sharp contrast to the political hostility that had characterised relations between both arms of government since the 2023 crisis.
Political analysts believe the event signals the beginning of a new phase in Rivers governance, with reconciliation replacing prolonged confrontation.
Why the Presentation Matters
The presentation comes after one of the most turbulent periods in Rivers State’s democratic history.
The political crisis, which divided lawmakers into rival factions and created competing legislative structures, generated constitutional uncertainty, delayed governance processes and heightened political tensions.
The successful presentation of the 2026 budget before a reunited Assembly may therefore restore greater confidence in institutional governance and improve the implementation of development projects.
However, analysts note that sustaining the current atmosphere of cooperation will require continued political maturity, mutual respect and adherence to constitutional processes.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the ₦1.854 trillion 2026 budget represents more than an annual fiscal exercise—it marks a symbolic restoration of executive-legislative cooperation after years of political uncertainty in Rivers State. While the ambitious spending proposal focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development, its ultimate success will depend on disciplined implementation, transparent management of public funds and the durability of the political reconciliation that made Thursday’s historic session possible.
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