Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has lambasted Governor Siminalayi Fubara for submitting the state’s 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework “nine months behind the timeline prescribed by law.”
He said the lawmakers approved it solely for the sake of the state.
It was reports that the lawmaker shared his reservations on Friday’s plenary, 24 hours after the MTEF was read on the floor of the House.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule said that Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 required the MTEF to be laid before the House in September 2025, four months before the commencement of the next financial year.
“However, in the interest of the state, the House thought 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 examined the assumptions in the MTEF and agreed that if they were well executed, they would be in the interest of the people of Rivers.
“Based on the MTEF being given positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question, and members voted in the affirmative,” it added.
On Friday, the House also 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.
Amadi while presenting the petition urged the House to look into the matter and take necessary steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities.
The Assembly last met in February, when it screened commissioner nominees forwarded by the governor before adjourning indefinitely.
It was reconvened Thursday after about three months.
