The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for neglecting governance while focusing on his political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This is as Wike expressed concern over the governor’s failure to present the state’s budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister warned that the delay could disrupt government operations and hinder the delivery of essential services to residents.

“The governor is yet to submit his budget to the House of Assembly, but he is busy pursuing his second-term ambition,” Wike said.

New Telegraph reports that the ongoing dispute stems from a deepening political rift between the two leaders, which has split the Rivers State House of Assembly into opposing factions.

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In December 2024, Fubara presented a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget proposal to a faction of the Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, which is loyal to him.

However, a subsequent ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on February 28 upheld a Federal High Court decision barring the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory allocations to the state.

The apex court further directed the Central Bank to withhold Rivers State’s allocations until the governor presents the appropriation bill to the faction led by Martin Amaewhule, which is aligned with Wike.

Following the ruling and reconciliation efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Fubara wrote to the Amaewhule-led Assembly requesting a new date for the budget presentation.

In a letter dated March 13 and personally signed by the governor, he proposed a convenient date in March. However, when he arrived at the Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt with members of his cabinet, he was denied access despite prior notice.

Fubara has maintained that his actions were in compliance with the Supreme Court directive, insisting that he made genuine efforts to present the budget.

However, the Amaewhule-led lawmakers have accused the governor of insincerity, claiming they did not receive any formal communication regarding the proposed presentation.

The development underscores the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, as tensions between Wike and Fubara continue to shape governance and legislative activities in the state ahead of the next electoral cycle.