The Rivers State House of Assembly has resumed legislative activities after more than three months of inactivity, receiving Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) during an emergency plenary session in Port Harcourt.
The fiscal framework was formally presented to lawmakers on Thursday, with Speaker Martin Amaewhule reading the governor’s communication during proceedings held at the Assembly’s legislative quarters along Aba Road.
The reconvening of the House comes amid increasing calls for Governor Fubara to present the state’s 2026 budget, marking the Assembly’s first plenary session since March 2026.
According to reports, the last sitting of the Assembly involved the screening of commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Fubara, during which four nominees were rejected. Prior to that, lawmakers had met in January when impeachment proceedings were initiated against the governor amid the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
The Assembly had subsequently adjourned and failed to reconvene on its scheduled January 15 resumption date, fueling concerns over legislative inactivity and governance in the state.
The submission of the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework represents a critical stage in the budget preparation process. The document outlines projected government revenues and expenditure plans over a three-year period and serves as the foundation for the formulation of annual budgets.
Although the framework was officially received during Thursday’s sitting, lawmakers deferred debate and consideration of the document to a later date.
The reason for the emergency plenary was not disclosed before proceedings commenced, prompting speculation that discussions would focus on fiscal matters and the state’s budget process.
Observers say the Assembly’s return signals a potential thaw in the prolonged political standoff within the state and could pave the way for the consideration of the 2026 budget and other pending legislative matters.
The latest development is expected to ease concerns among stakeholders over governance, budget implementation, and fiscal planning in Rivers State as both the executive and legislative arms move toward renewed engagement.
