Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara signing into law the Appropriation Act, while the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martins Amaewhule, watches at Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, describing the development as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new era of cooperation, unity and progress in the state.
Fubara signed the bill at a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, shortly after it was presented to him by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The governor expressed gratitude to God and stakeholders, particularly members of the legislature, for what he described as their diligence and speed in considering and passing the budget at a critical period in the state’s history.
“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,” Fubara said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Rivers First” mantra, assuring residents that the implementation of the 2026 budget would prioritise their welfare, while driving the progress and development of the state.
“I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
In a significant acknowledgment of the role played by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, in the process leading to the passage of the budget, Fubara thanked his predecessor for facilitating the meeting and process that culminated in the signing.
“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” the governor said.
Fubara also thanked his family and other stakeholders for their support, stressing that governance was a collective responsibility.
He pledged to sustain a cordial and cooperative relationship with the legislature and other arms of government, saying: “Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward.”
Earlier, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, presented the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No. 1, 2026, to the governor for assent.
Jack said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best interests of Rivers residents in mind, expressing the expectation that its implementation would translate into greater development across the state.
“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.
Also speaking after the signing, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, commended the governor for provisions contained in the budget, describing them as evidence of 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,” Amaewhule said.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, principal officers of the House of Assembly and other government functionaries.
The signing of the budget signals a new phase of cooperation between the Rivers State Executive and Legislature, following months of political tensions that had affected the state’s governance and budgetary process.