PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has signed the 2026 State Appropriation Bill into law, promising to sustain efforts aimed at promoting unity, progress and development across the state.
Fubara described the signing as “a breath of fresh air” and evidence of a healthy working relationship among key stakeholders in Rivers State.
The governor assented to the bill on Thursday at a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.
Speaking after signing the budget, Fubara expressed appreciation to God, stakeholders and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the appropriation bill.
“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 governor commended the lawmakers for what he described as their diligence and speed in considering and passing the budget at a critical period in the state’s history.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Rivers First” mantra, assuring residents that the implementation of the 2026 budget would prioritise their welfare.
“I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” Fubara said.
He also thanked the lawmakers for what he described as “a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life.”
Fubara acknowledged the role played by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that culminated in the passage and signing of the budget.
He further appreciated his family for their support, stressing that governance was a collective responsibility.
The governor pledged to maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship with all arms of government and other stakeholders in the interest of Rivers State.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” he said.
“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.”
Earlier, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, presented the bill to the governor for assent.
Jack said the lawmakers passed the appropriation bill with the best interests of Rivers residents in mind, expressing optimism that its implementation would drive growth and development.
“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state,” he said.
He formally presented the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No. 1, 2026 to the governor for assent.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, commended the governor over provisions contained in the budget.
Amaewhule said the provisions demonstrated the administration’s readiness 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 said.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, principal officers of the State House of Assembly and other government functionaries.
