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 (MTEF), alleging that the document was presented nine months after the deadline stipulated by law.
Despite the delay, the Assembly approved the framework on Friday, a day after it was presented during plenary, with Amaewhule saying the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the Speaker explained that Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 required the MTEF to be submitted to the legislature in September 2025, ahead of preparations for the next 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 said.
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According to the statement, lawmakers carefully examined the assumptions contained in the expenditure framework and concluded that its implementation would benefit the people of Rivers State.
“Predicating on the positive consideration of the MTEF by members, the Speaker put the question and members voted in the affirmative,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu, alleging an impending security threat in the area.
The petition, presented by the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi, raised concerns over alleged threats to lives, destruction of property and attempts by some individuals to forcefully take over property within the local government.
While presenting the petition, Amadi called on the House to revisit the issue and take appropriate measures to protect residents and their property in the affected communities.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had last convened in February, when it screened commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Fubara before proceeding on an indefinite adjournment. Lawmakers reconvened on Thursday after an absence of about three months.