Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State appeared before the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday, July 10, to formally submit the 2026 Appropriation Bill for legislative consideration and approval.

The presentation took place at the House of Assembly Quarters Auditorium in Port Harcourt and was broadcast live on DIT and Africa Independent Television (AIT), with cameras capturing what appeared to be a chaotic atmosphere on the floor of the chamber during the session.

Fubara and the Assembly's rocky relationship

The budget presentation comes against the backdrop of a protracted and well-documented political standoff between Fubara and a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike. The rivalry has repeatedly stalled governance in the state and drawn national attention since Fubara assumed office.

Tension between the governor and the legislature has at various points escalated into open confrontation, with competing factions disputing the legitimacy of proceedings and the composition of the House itself. Friday's session appeared to be no exception, with broadcast footage suggesting disorder inside the chamber as Fubara moved to discharge one of his primary constitutional obligations.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill's passage will be central to the state government's ability to fund projects and deliver services in the coming fiscal year, making the legislative approval process a critical milestone for Fubara's administration.

Fubara and Amaewhule exchanged pleasantries

After the presentation, the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, had a brief conversation with the governor after he walked up to him. They both had a handshake and, with other members of the House, showed a sign of peace between Wike's camp and the governor.

Recall that Fubara and Wike had been at loggerheads soon after the governor was sworn in. The development led to a long standstill of governance in the state and the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu in a bid to restore peace. A political solution was later deployed, and the governor lost the chance of contesting for a second term in 2027.

Governor Fubara had hoped to secure his place in the 2027 race when he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he later stepped down from the party's primary and never commented on the situation.

Shortly after presenting the 2026 Appropriation Bill, Governor Fubara engaged in a brief conversation with Speaker Martins Amaewhule and thereafter shook hands individually with all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a sign of peace. https://t.co/vMty7EuQnN pic.twitter.com/1N3yWfgnh1

— Nigerian Affairs Journal (@NigAffairs) July 10, 2026