The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of engaging in unauthorized public spending, awarding contracts to his political allies without legislative approval, and refusing to present a supplementary budget for the remaining part of 2025.
The accusations were made during a press conference in Port Harcourt on December 11, 2025, in direct response to comments made by Governor Fubara the previous day.
Key Allegations by Speaker Amaewhule
- Unauthorized Expenditure: Fubara has been spending state funds lavishly from both the 2024 and 2025 budgets without obtaining approval from the Assembly, violating constitutional requirements for appropriation.
- Contract Awards: The governor is awarding contracts to his cronies, including individuals allegedly involved in the 2023 burning of the Rivers House of Assembly complex.
- Refusal to Present Budget: During a post-emergency rule meeting in September 2025, Fubara explicitly refused to present a supplementary budget for the remainder of 2025, despite requests from lawmakers.
- Misuse of Funds: Amaewhule alleged that Fubara is using over ₦600 billion left in state accounts by the former Sole Administrator (after the emergency rule) to attempt dividing Assembly members.
- False Claims on Meetings: Amaewhule refuted Fubara’s statement that he had been unable to meet lawmakers due to lack of facilitation by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, stating that multiple meetings had occurred since September 2025.
Amaewhule warned that Fubara’s actions and statements are deliberately setting the stage for a renewed political crisis in the state, just months after the lifting of the federal emergency rule in September 2025.
Background Context
Rivers State experienced a protracted political crisis leading to President Bola Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in March 2025, suspending the governor, deputy, and lawmakers for six months. The emergency rule ended on September 18, 2025, with all parties reinstated amid promises of reconciliation brokered by the president and involving Nyesom Wike.
Despite recent defections—Governor Fubara and several lawmakers (including the Amaewhule faction) joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in early December 2025—tensions have resurfaced over governance and budget control.
Governor Fubara has not issued a direct public response to these specific accusations as of December 13, 2025, but previously dismissed claims of rifts with lawmakers as “pure lies” while expressing commitment to peace.
Implications for Niger Delta
As a core Niger Delta state rich in oil resources, renewed executive-legislative friction in Rivers could affect project execution, stability, and federal allocations, potentially impacting regional development and politics ahead of 2027 elections.
