■ Government House clears the air following growing speculations over a Fubara-Assenbly fight
By PHC Telegraph
Nobody knows how the rumour of another disagreement between the Executive and Legislative arms of government began to make the rounds after the Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara forwarded the 2026 Budget for consideration. But the rumour of a brewing conflict has spread like a bush fire on the social media and the popular press
Strangely, both arms of the administration belong effectively to the Rainbow Coalition. And both sides agree that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is the leader of all the forces that are rallying behind President Bola Tinubu as the 2027 general elections draws near.
On Wednesday, the Rivers State Government moved to douse the speculation. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi issued a rebuttal, saying there is no confrontation between his boss and members of the State House of Assembly.
“The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a news item published in some national dailies and online platforms insinuating that there is a disagreement between the Executive and Legislative arms of the Rivers State Government over the 2026 Appropriation Bill”, Nzeshi explained.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
But he emphasised that both sides are “working closely ” for the benefit of “the good people of Rivers State.
In his words, “The 2026 Budget proposal has been presented to the House of Assembly; it is going through the normal legislative process and we strongly believe that once the process is completed, it will be passed by the lawmakers.
“The Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies. We therefore advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist from such actions forthwith as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State.”
