Rivers Speaker Criticizes Fubara Over Late Spending Plan

Martin Amaewhul, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly submitting the state’s 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) nine months behind the timeline prescribed by law. The MTEF was presented to the House, which approved it on Friday during a plenary session, despite the delay.

According to a statement issued by Amaewhul's media aide, Martin Wachukwu, the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 requires that the MTEF be laid before the House by September 2025, four months before the commencement of the next financial year. The House deemed it expedient to consider the document as a precursor to the state’s 2026 budget estimates, even though the year is already half gone.

The Speaker emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the assumptions contained in the MTEF to ensure proper implementation for the benefit of the Rivers people. Additionally, the House received a petition from Dr. Gift Worlu, the chairman of the Obio Akpor Local Government Council, regarding imminent security breaches in the area.