RismadarVoice Reporters, June 27, 2026
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara over what he described as the late submission of the state’s 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
Amaewhule, in a statement issued by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, said the budget framework was presented well outside the timeline prescribed by the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law.
The Speaker noted that although the document was submitted behind schedule, the House approved it in the interest of the state and to prevent further delays in the 2026 budget process.
The Rivers State House of Assembly passed the 2026–2028 MTEF during plenary on Friday, a day after Governor Fubara presented the document to lawmakers.
Amaewhule cited Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010, which requires the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to be laid before the Assembly in September, at least four months before the commencement of the next fiscal year.
He said the governor’s failure to comply with the statutory timeline resulted in a significant delay in the state’s budget planning process.
Despite the delay, the Speaker said the Assembly considered and passed the framework because it serves as the foundation for the preparation and consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
