The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has described Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, as a threat to democratic governance in Rivers State.
Amaewhule made the remarks on Thursday during plenary, where he said a formal letter outlining the Assembly’s concerns would be transmitted to Governor Fubara and his Deputy within seven days.
“Fubara is a mistake,” the Speaker declared, accusing the governor of deliberately undermining constitutional governance and the authority of the legislature.
He expressed concern that Rivers State has yet to present its 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing the development as unprecedented and deeply embarrassing.
According to Amaewhule, no other state in Nigeria and possibly across West Africa has failed to present a budget for the next fiscal year at this point in time.
“It is unbelievable that in the 21st century, a state like Rivers has neither presented nor passed an appropriation bill for 2026,” he said, adding that there is no constitutional barrier preventing the governor from presenting the budget.
The Speaker further alleged that Governor Fubara has been boasting to his supporters that the House of Assembly lacks the power to act, reportedly referring to lawmakers as “toothless bulldogs” incapable of enforcing constitutional provisions.
Amaewhule described the situation as “a sad commentary for Nigeria’s democracy,” insisting that the governor and his deputy have shown persistent disregard for due process and democratic norms.
He warned that continued failure to fulfill constitutional responsibilities could have serious consequences for governance in the state, stressing that the House of Assembly would not abdicate its oversight role, according to PUO Reports.
