Fubara Under Fire As Rivers Speaker Questions Late Spending Plan Submission

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara for submitting the state’s 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework “nine months behind the timeline prescribed by law.”

He said that the lawmakers approved it only in the interest of the state.

The reports indicated that the lawmaker voiced his reservations on Friday’s plenary, 24 hours after the MTEF was read on the floor of the House.

Amaewhule, in a statement by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, said that Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 mandated the MTEF to be laid before the House in September 2025, four months before the start of the next financial year.

“However, in the interest of the state, the House considered it expedient to deliberate on the document, which is a precursor to the State’s 2026 Budget Estimate, even though the year is already half gone,” the statement said.

It said the lawmakers looked into the assumptions in the MTEF and agreed that if well executed, would be in the interest of the people of Rivers.

It added that the Speaker put the question and members voted affirmatively “based on the MTEF being given positive consideration by members.”

Also on Friday, the House received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu, through the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi, on alleged imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and attempt to forcefully take over property by some persons in the local government area.

Presenting the petition, Amadi urged the House to look into the matter and take the necessary steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

The Assembly last met in February, when it vetted commissioner nominees sent over by the governor before adjourning indefinitely.

Thursday it was reconvened after about three months.