Mr Imeabe Oscar, President, South-South Youth Initiative, has urged stakeholders to support the 2026 budget of Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State as approved by the State Executive Council.
The council had approved the sum of N1.85 trillion as the state’s 2026 budget during a meeting presided by Fubara on Friday.
The youth leader also commended the governor for appointing more Special Advisers to strengthen his administration.
Oscar said on Saturday in Port Harcourt that Fubara’s commitment to the state in spite of political rifts was an indication of good leadership.
He noted that even with obvious political rivalries targeted at disrupting governance, Fubara has continued to conduct himself within the ambits of the law.
According to the youth leader, the governor has always ensured that the rule of law remains unabridged.
He noted that Fubara’s decision to obtain a budget approval from the State Executive Council had saved him from a potential political face-off with legislators.
“It’s no longer news that the legislators are all loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a strong opposer of the governor.
“The 2026 budget was rather approved by the State Executive Council because the lawmakers may not approve Fubara’s economic ideologies.
“Same with appointments, if he had forwarded a list of Commissioners to the house for approval, that also would have been met with rejection.
“For avoidance of situations or confrontation with the opposing forces, the governor was left with no option than adopt other legitimate means to eliminate vacuum,” he said.
The youth leader decried the heightened unresolved political interest, saying it would affect Fubara’s ability to effectively be held accountable at the end of his first tenure in office.
Alleging political interference as responsible for the protracted crises, the youth leader urged stakeholders and politicians to genuinely embrace peace and support the governor to serve the state better.
“As concerned youths, we urge the legislators to put aside all political differences and work in harmony with the governor to enable him deliver good governance.
“We’re not particularly curious about whatever agreement that Fubara had with Wike, all we need is cohesion among stakeholders.
“Fubara is so intentional about the wellbeing of the people and we need him to continue uninterrupted.
“We are also willing to support his second term bid to enable him effectively achieve his vision for the state,” he added.
