The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations on the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with the proposed budget successfully passing second reading during plenary.
The motion for the second reading was moved by the House Leader, Major Jack, as lawmakers began detailed consideration of the spending plan.
Leading the debate, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Dumle Maol, described the proposed budget as ambitious and the largest ever presented in the history of Rivers State.
Maol, however, urged lawmakers to thoroughly examine the various allocations contained in the bill to ensure that public funds are properly appropriated and used for their intended purposes.
Other members of the Assembly who contributed to the debate called for swift consideration and passage of the appropriation bill to enable the state government to commence implementation of its programmes.
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, said the Assembly would also scrutinise non-governmental organisations and other institutions receiving financial support from the Rivers State Government.
He emphasised the need for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
Following the deliberations, the House adjourned plenary until September 3.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill before the Assembly on July 10, setting the stage for legislative review and approval.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.