A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in Rivers State has sounded the alarm over the perilous condition of the state's financial plan for the year 2026.
Budget Approval Without Legislative Backing
Robinson Ewor, the immediate past PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, expressed deep concern that Rivers State is operating without a legally appropriated budget for the 2026 fiscal year. He highlighted that despite the calendar advancing, only a proposed budget has been put forward.
Ewor pointed out that the State Executive Council managed to approve a proposed budget of ₦1.854 trillion on January 2, 2026. This move came amidst the ongoing political tensions involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Martins Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
"Any expenditure of public funds without legislative approval amounts to illegality," Ewor stated emphatically. He stressed that Governor Fubara had not yet presented the budget proposal to the State House of Assembly for the necessary appropriation process.
Political Crisis and Governance Deadlock
According to Ewor, effective administration of the state is impossible without a functional synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government. "The three arms of government must work together to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State," he added.
Political observers note that the dynamics have shifted. With the collapse of rival legislative factions into a single House now aligned with Wike's camp and led by Speaker Amaewhule, the governor can no longer circumvent the Assembly on critical matters like the budget.
This budgetary standoff is the latest episode in a protracted political crisis. It prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, which was eventually lifted in September of the same year.
Background of Federal Intervention and Wike's Grassroots Mobilisation
The current impasse has a recent precedent. In June 2025, the National Assembly passed a ₦1.48 trillion appropriation bill for Rivers State. This federal intervention came after the emergency rule declaration, the suspension of the governor and state lawmakers, and the appointment of Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike continues his political engagement within the state. During a "thank you" visit to Ahoada East Local Government Area, local officials praised his leadership. Mr. Solomon Ochoma, Chairman of Ahoada East LGA, said the visit showed decisive leadership and commitment to development, which would strengthen unity.
Queen Williams, the Assembly member representing Ahoada East I Constituency, thanked Wike for involving women during his tenure as governor and promised continued support from women in the area.
Wike stated his visit aimed to thank residents for supporting President Tinubu in the 2023 elections and to mobilise support for 2027. He also claimed that about 10,000 youth jobs linked to projects from his administration were halted by his successor.
