Fubara Targets New Assembly for 2026 Budget

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has strongly hinted that the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill will be presented to lawmakers within the newly reconstructed House of Assembly complex. The Governor’s announcement underscores his administration’s determination to complete the project swiftly and restore full legislative functionality.

The Governor provided this assurance on Monday after conducting an inspection tour of the construction site on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt. During the visit, Governor Fubara expressed evident satisfaction with the momentum and pace of the rebuilding work.

To guarantee timely delivery, the Governor announced a significant decision regarding the construction management. He revealed that the main contractor, MCC, has handed over responsibility for the interior finishing work to Julius Berger.

Fubara explained that this strategic adjustment was made to expedite the delivery schedule, ensuring the project is finalized by its target date.

The reconstruction effort became necessary after the original Assembly complex was controversially demolished. That demolition followed a fire incident that erupted during a tense political crisis in the state in October 2023.

The Governor confirmed that the new legislative structure is on track to be ready for use by December 2025, just in time for the annual budget presentation cycle.

He emphasized the need for all lawmakers to return to their permanent legislative home. Currently, the Assembly members conduct sessions in a temporary chamber located within their residential quarters.

Fubara noted that the need for relocation has become paramount now that the political hostilities that initially sparked the crisis have substantially eased.

“We have worked diligently to ensure their chambers are ready,” the Governor stated, affirming the commitment to provide a functional and proper working environment for the legislature.

He openly acknowledged the turbulent period that necessitated the current arrangement. “You know the challenges that affected our relationship before,” he said, referencing the political disputes that dominated the previous year.

However, the Governor maintained an optimistic outlook, stressing, “But, by the special grace of God, everything has been resolved, and we are determined to ensure the Assembly returns to its rightful place.”

Governor Fubara clarified the management structure of the complex, stating that while the undamaged section of the old complex remains under the Speaker’s supervision, the state government is intensely focused on the primary reconstruction. The ultimate goal is to restore the legislature to full, permanent operational capacity in a modern facility.