Rivers Speaker Faults Fubara Over Late 2026 Budget Framework

Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule has faulted Governor Siminalayi Fubara over what he described as the late submission of the state’s 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

Daily Post and Punch reported that Amaewhule criticised the timing of the document after the Assembly approved the spending framework during plenary on Friday.

According to Punch, the Speaker said the framework was submitted “nine months behind the timeline prescribed by law.”

Punch cited Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, which requires the MTEF to be laid before the House four months before the start of the next financial year.

Daily Post reported that the document was presented on Thursday and approved by lawmakers within 24 hours.

Amaewhule said the House considered the framework in the interest of the state, despite the delay. Daily Post quoted him as saying the document was a precursor to the state’s 2026 budget estimate, even though the year was already half gone.

Punch reported that the lawmakers scrutinised the assumptions in the MTEF and concluded that, if properly implemented, they would serve the interest of Rivers people.

The Assembly also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu, through the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Emilia Amadi.

The petition alleged an imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and attempted forceful takeover of property by some persons in the local government area.

Amadi urged the House to revisit the matter and take steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

Punch reported that the Assembly last sat in February, when it screened commissioner nominees forwarded by the governor, before adjourning indefinitely.

The House reconvened on Thursday after about three months, received Fubara’s spending framework and approved it a day later.

The development adds another layer to the long-running tension between the governor and the Rivers legislature.

Sources: Daily Post, Punch