The Rivers state government says Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, is not at loggerheads with the state house of assembly over the 2026 appropriation bill.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Onwuka Nzeshi, chief press secretary to the governor, said the clarification was necessary following reports suggesting a disagreement between the executive and legislative arms of the state government over the budget.
Nzeshi said Fubara was working closely with members of the assembly to advance the interests of Rivers residents.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State,” the statement reads.
Nzeshi said the 2026 budget proposal had already been presented to the house and was undergoing the normal legislative process.
“The 2026 Budget proposal has been presented to the House of Assembly; it is going through the normal legislative process and we strongly believe that once the process is completed, it will be passed by the lawmakers,” he said.
The governor’s aide said the state government was not interested in being drawn into another round of controversies, noting that Rivers had experienced difficult times in the past.
“The Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies,” he said.
He urged those promoting what he described as negative narratives to desist, saying peace and harmony were necessary for the continued development of the state.
