Rivers ex-PDP chair faults Fubara over 2026 budget delay, ‘illegal’ spending

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

A former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor, has raised the alarm over the absence of an appropriated budget for the 2026 fiscal year in the state.

Ewor voiced his concerns on Wednesday during a “thank you” visit to Ahoada East Local Government Area by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has yet to present the 2026 budget to the State House of Assembly for approval, insisting that “any spending of public funds without appropriation was illegal.”

“Fubara cannot effectively administer the state without synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government,” Ewor stated. He stressed that the three arms of government must collaborate to deliver democratic dividends to Rivers people.

This comes amid ongoing political tensions, including President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers in March 2025 over a protracted crisis, which was lifted in September of the same year. According to him, although the state’s Executive Council approved a N1.85 trillion budget for 2026 on 2 January, it remains unsubmitted to the Assembly.

Earlier, Ahoada East Local Government Council Chairman, Solomon Ochoma, praised Wike’s grassroots focus. “The visit demonstrated a decisive action, institutional strength and development and would strengthen their result to remain united,” Ochoma said. He pledged realignment with Wike’s vision for the area’s prosperity and state development.

State Assembly member for Ahoada East I, Queen William, also thanked Wike for empowering women during his governorship. “The women of the LGA would continue to work with him and follow him wherever he goes,” she added.

In his address, Wike said the visit aimed to thank residents for supporting President Tinubu in 2023 and to rally them for 2027. He highlighted projects delivered during his tenure, including roads linking communities and 10,000 youth jobs tied to initiatives — allegedly halted by his successor, Fubara, alongside other projects.

Describing Fubara as “a bad child with no gratitude,” Wike urged locals to back progressive leaders for sustained state development.