Rivers Assembly Bars Govenor Fubara From Presenting 2026 Budget

The Rivers State House of Assembly has refused to permit Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2026 budget until allegations of gross misconduct against him are resolved. The Assembly, which had earlier scheduled its resumption for January 26, advanced the sitting to Thursday, January 8, 2026, signaling heightened legislative action against the governor. This is not the first time the Assembly has moved toward impeaching Fubara since he assumed office.

Hon. Dumle Maol, Deputy Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly and lawmaker representing Gokana Constituency, accused the governor and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, of running the state in an authoritarian manner. He alleged that both officials have failed to demonstrate commitment to transparency and good governance, adding that they are facing allegations of gross misconduct.

The Speaker of the Assembly further condemned Governor Fubara’s leadership, warning that it poses a danger to democratic governance in Rivers State. He claimed that the governor’s administration represents a serious misstep in the state’s political history and described Fubara as a threat to democracy.