Speaker Martin Amaewhule has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara over tardy submission of the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework. His media aide, Martins Wachukwu, released a statement Thursday outlining the complaint.
According to Amaewhule, the budget framework arrived well past the deadline set by law. It should have been submitted in September under the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law.
Fubara presented the MTEF to lawmakers on Thursday. But the Speaker noted the timing violated Section 10(1)(b) of the 2010 fiscal responsibility law.
That section requires the framework be laid before the House four months before the fiscal year begins. The governor missed that window by months.
"The presentation was late," Amaewhule said in his statement. "But in the interest of the state, the House deemed it expedient to consider the document, even though the year is already half gone."
Despite his displeasure, Amaewhule backed approval anyway. He said the Assembly wanted to keep the budget process moving forward without further delays.
Lawmakers approved the spending framework during Friday plenary. The vote came barely 24 hours after the governor's presentation.
The MTEF serves as a precursor to the state's 2026 Budget Estimate. Amaewhule stressed that Fubara's failure to comply with legal timelines disrupted proper budget planning.
The Rivers Assembly prioritized state interests over procedural grievances. Officials said moving quickly now would prevent additional complications down the line.
