Rivers speaker faults Fubara over late spending plan presentation

The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved Governor Siminalayi Fubara's 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), despite the governor submitting it nine months after the legally prescribed timeline.

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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.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule stated that the Fiscal Responsibility Law requires the MTEF to be presented to the House in September, four months before the next financial year begins. However, he explained that the Assembly deemed it expedient to consider the document, a precursor to the 2026 budget, in the interest of the state, even though the year was already halfway gone.

The lawmakers scrutinized the MTEF's assumptions and concluded they would serve the interests of Rivers people if properly implemented. Following a positive consideration by members, the Speaker put the question, and the House voted in favor of approval.

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Predicating on the positive consideration of the MTEF by members, the Speaker put the question and members voted in the affirmative.

In a separate matter on Friday, the Assembly received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr. Gift Worlu. The petition, presented by Hon. Emilia Amadi, raised concerns over an alleged imminent security breach, threats to lives, property destruction, and attempted forceful takeover of property within the local government area. Amadi urged the House to address the matter and take necessary steps to safeguard lives and property.

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