Rivers Speaker Blasts Fubara for Delayed Medium Term Expenditure Framework

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has openly criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for what he described as a significant delay in presenting the state’s 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). According to Amaewhule, the MTEF was submitted a staggering nine months past the legally stipulated deadline.

Despite this considerable delay, the Speaker confirmed that the legislative body granted its assent to the spending framework on Friday, merely a day after the document had been presented for reading during the plenary session. This approval, he stated, was made in the paramount interest of the state.

In a formal statement released by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, Speaker Amaewhule highlighted that Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 mandates the MTEF's presentation to the Assembly by September 2025, a full four months prior to the commencement of the subsequent financial year. The statement noted, “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 lawmakers meticulously reviewed the projections contained within the MTEF and concluded that, if properly executed, these plans would genuinely benefit the people of Rivers State. Following this positive assessment by members, the Speaker formally put the motion to a vote, which received unanimous affirmative responses.

In another development on Friday, the House received a formal petition from Dr. Gift Worlu, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council. The petition, presented by Hon. Emilia Amadi, who represents Obio/Akpor Constituency II, detailed allegations of an impending security crisis, threats to human lives, destruction of properties, and attempts by certain individuals to forcefully seize property within the local government area. Hon. Amadi implored the Assembly to re-examine the issues raised and implement necessary measures to safeguard the lives and assets of residents in the affected communities.

This reconvening on Thursday marked the Assembly's return after an approximately three-month hiatus, having last convened in February to screen commissioner nominees forwarded by the state governor before adjourning indefinitely.