The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday 8 January has expressly barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara from presenting the state’s Mid-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 budget, insisting that the documents would not be considered until an ongoing investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against him and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, is concluded.
The resolution, adopted during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, marks a significant escalation in the protracted political crisis rocking the oil-rich state.
Lawmakers, through a motion sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, mandated a thorough probe into the governor’s financial dealings, with particular emphasis on his alleged failure to submit the MTEF as required by law.
The Assembly accused Fubara of spending public funds without legislative appropriation, describing such actions as grave constitutional violations that undermine the oversight functions of the legislature.
Also see: Rivers Peace Initiative Calls for De-escalation Amid Fresh Impeachment Move Against Fubara, Deputy
In his remarks, Speaker Amaewhule emphasised the House’s determination to uphold due process. “We will not entertain the presentation of the Mid-Term Expenditure Framework or any budget proposal until the probe into these serious allegations is fully resolved,” he stated.
The lawmakers further criticised what they termed the governor’s persistent disregard for peace initiatives brokered by President Bola Tinubu, claiming it has deepened the executive-legislative impasse.
This latest move has heightened fears of governance paralysis in Rivers State, as the refusal to receive the MTEF effectively stalls the budgetary process for 2026.
