The Rivers State 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.854 trillion, presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on July 10, is yet to be passed by the State House of Assembly, weeks after its presentation.
The delay has sparked concerns among residents, political observers and economic analysts, amid allegations that lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike are demanding additional financial benefits and official vehicles before approving the budget.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development,” was presented shortly after the Assembly approved the state’s 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.
Sources alleged that the 27-member pro-Wike bloc is demanding an additional N500 million each, amounting to N13.5 billion. There are also unverified claims that the bloc’s political leader is seeking N200 billion.
The alleged demands are said to be separate from an earlier N1 billion reportedly allocated to each of the 27 lawmakers. The lawmakers are also reportedly asking for new Toyota Hilux vehicles, with the 27 vehicles estimated at N2.7 billion based on the reported market price.
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The allegations could not be independently verified, and neither the lawmakers nor their political leadership has publicly confirmed the reported demands.
The development comes against the backdrop of the prolonged political dispute between Fubara and the pro-Wike lawmakers, despite recent efforts to reconcile the opposing factions.
The governor is reportedly resisting the alleged fresh demands, insisting that the earlier agreement involving N1 billion for each lawmaker had already been fulfilled. The disagreement is also believed to have contributed to the postponement of the planned inauguration of the renovated Assembly complex.
Meanwhile, members of the Wike-led Rainbow Coalition have reportedly stayed away from some of the governor’s recent project commissioning activities across the state.
With the 2026 budget still awaiting legislative approval, concerns are growing that the political disagreements could further delay government programmes and development projects in Rivers State.
The situation has consequently emerged as a major test of the fragile reconciliation between Governor Fubara and the political camp loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
