Dare Babalola
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has slammed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, describing it as a threat to democratic governance in the state.
Amaewhule’s criticism targets the governor and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, alleging their leadership undermines democratic principles in Rivers State.
Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Amaewhule said he would ensure that a formal letter detailing the Assembly’s concerns is forwarded 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 legislative authority.
Amaewhule expressed dismay that Rivers State hasn’t presented its 2026 Appropriation Bill, calling the situation “unprecedented and embarrassing”.
He noted that Rivers State is possibly the first in Nigeria and West Africa to miss the deadline for presenting a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a situation he finds unacceptable.
“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 nothing constitutionally prevents the governor from presenting the budget.
The Speaker further accused Governor Fubara of openly boasting to his supporters that the House of Assembly is powerless, allegedly referring to lawmakers as “toothless bulldogs” who cannot enforce the constitution.
Amaewhule described the ongoing situation as “a sad commentary for Nigeria’s democracy,” insisting that the governor and his deputy have shown disregard for due process and democratic norms.
He warned that continued failure to respect constitutional responsibilities could have grave consequences for governance in the state, stressing that the Assembly would not abdicate its oversight role.
