Rivers speaker faults Fubara over late spending plan presentation

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the late submission of the state’s 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, saying the document was presented nine months after the timeline stipulated by law.

According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule said Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 requires that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework be submitted to the House in September of the preceding year.

The Speaker noted that the spending framework ought to have been laid before the lawmakers in September 2025 to guide planning ahead of the 2026 financial year.

“But in the interest of the state, the House deemed it expedient to consider the document, which is a precursor to the State’s 2026 Budget Estimate, even though the year is already half gone,” the statement read.

Despite the delay, the Assembly approved the framework, describing the move as necessary in the interest of governance and continuity of fiscal planning in the state.

The approval was granted during plenary on Friday, barely 24 hours after the expenditure framework was presented before lawmakers.

House approves framework

The Assembly explained that lawmakers examined the assumptions and projections contained in the framework before reaching a decision.

According to the statement, members concluded that implementation of the proposed fiscal projections could support development priorities and serve the interests of residents.

“Predicating on the positive consideration of the MTEF by members, the Speaker put the question and members voted in the affirmative,” the statement added.

Assembly receives security petition

Also during Friday’s sitting, the House received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu.

The petition was presented through the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi.

The petition alleged an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and an attempted forceful takeover of assets within parts of the local government area.

Presenting the matter, Amadi urged the Assembly to revisit the issues raised and take steps to protect lives and property in affected communities.

The Rivers Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday after being away for about three months.

Its last sitting was held in February, when lawmakers screened commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Fubara before proceeding on an indefinite adjournment.