Rivers Speaker Criticises Fubara Over Delayed Spending Plan Submission

Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for submitting the state's 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) well beyond the timeline stipulated by law.

Amaewhule said the spending framework was presented approximately nine months after the statutory deadline, describing the delay as a breach of the state's fiscal responsibility requirements. Despite his concerns, he noted that the House approved the document in the interest of the state and to ensure the budget preparation process was not further disrupted.

The Speaker made the remarks during plenary, a day after Governor Fubara formally transmitted the MTEF to the Assembly following its resumption from legislative recess. Lawmakers had initially received the document and deferred debate to allow for detailed scrutiny before granting approval.

Amaewhule stressed that timely submission of the MTEF is essential because it serves as the foundation for the state's annual budget and guides fiscal planning over the medium term. He urged the executive arm to comply with legal timelines in future to facilitate effective legislative oversight and budget implementation.

The approval of the expenditure framework paves the way for the preparation and presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which will outline the state's projected revenue and spending plans for the coming financial year.

The development comes as the Rivers State Government and the House of Assembly continue efforts to restore normal legislative and executive processes following months of political tensions in the state.