Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to prioritize the welfare and development of residents of the state as he signs the 2026 State Appropriation Bill into law.
The governor signed the bill at a brief ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt, describing its passage and assent as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the state.
Fubara thanked God, the lawmakers and other stakeholders for their roles in the budget process, and pledged to prioritize the welfare of Rivers residents in its implementation.
“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,” he said.
The governor commended members of the State House of Assembly for their diligence and swift consideration of the budget at what he described as a critical period in the state’s history.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” Fubara said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to its “Rivers First” mantra, stressing that the 2026 budget would be implemented with the welfare and development of the people as key priorities. “I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
Fubara also acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that culminated in the passage and signing of the bill.
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“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” he said.
The governor thanked his family for their support and pledged to maintain a cordial working relationship with the various arms of government and other stakeholders.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” Fubara said.
Earlier, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, presented the bill to the governor for his assent.
Jack said the lawmakers passed the budget with the intention of promoting growth and development in the state and expressed the expectation that it would be implemented accordingly.
“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 while presenting the bill.
In his remarks after the signing, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, commended Fubara for the provisions contained in the budget, saying they demonstrated the administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to Rivers residents.
“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 State House of Assembly and other government functionaries.
Radarrnews
