A former Rivers State PDP caretaker chairman, Robinson Ewor, has expressed concern that the state is operating without an approved budget for 2026, warning that this undermines governance and accountability.
Ewor spoke on Wednesday during a thank-you visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to Ahoada East Local Government Area.
He said Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not presented the 2026 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly for approval, emphasising that proper governance requires cooperation between the executive and the legislature.
According to Ewor, a governor “cannot effectively administer the state without synergy between the executive and the legislative arms of government.”
He added that for democracy to deliver real benefits to the people, all arms of government must work together within the law.
Ewor’s comments come against the backdrop of the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, which led President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March 2025.
The emergency rule was later lifted in September of the same year.
Although the Rivers State Executive Council approved a N1.85 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year on January 2, the proposal has yet to be forwarded to the State Assembly for legislative consideration and appropriation.
During the visit, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Solomon Ochoma, praised Wike for his engagement with grassroots communities, saying it reflected a commitment to inclusive governance and development.
He said the visit showed “decisive action, institutional strength and development,” and pledged continued unity in the area.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Ahoada East I Constituency, Queen William, thanked Wike for supporting women during his tenure as governor, adding that women in the area would continue to work with him.
In his remarks, Wike said the visit was intended to thank residents for supporting President Tinubu in the 2023 election and to mobilise them ahead of 2027.
He also expressed appreciation to the people for recognising projects carried out in the area and across the state during his time as governor.
Fubara spending public funds illegally – State PDP chieftain Ewor
Source: Fubara spending public funds illegally – State PDP chieftain Ewor
