By Precious Amadi
The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected a proposed ₦6 billion grant to PAMO University, demanding further investigation and legislative scrutiny of the institution before any public funds can be released.
The lawmakers took the position on Thursday while considering the report of the House Committee on Appropriations as they passed the ₦1.84 trillion 2026 Rivers State Appropriation Bill into law.
The decision to reject the allocation emerged as one of the major adjustments made by the Assembly during its final consideration of the budget.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Linda Stewart, said the committee could not recommend approval of the ₦6 billion provision for PAMO University without establishing the purpose of the proposed grant and determining its intended beneficiaries.
The committee therefore recommended that the allocation be declined pending a thorough investigation and legislative oversight of the institution.
Members of the Assembly supported the recommendation, stressing the need for proper scrutiny before such a substantial amount of public money could be approved for the university.
The lawmakers’ position effectively removed the ₦6 billion provision from the 2026 budget, reinforcing the Assembly’s demand for greater accountability and transparency in the utilisation of public funds.
Meanwhile, the Assembly approved ₦1.4 billion for the reconstruction of a storage facility belonging to the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board at No. 2 Accra Street.
The facility was recently destroyed by fire, prompting the committee to recommend funding for its rebuilding.
Following the presentation of the Appropriations Committee’s report, the House reverted to the Committee of Supply to consider the recommendations and make the necessary adjustments to the provisions of the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, aligned with the committee’s recommendations and subsequently subjected the relevant provisions and the entire bill to a voice vote.
The lawmakers thereafter passed the ₦1.84 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law following the consideration of the bill at the Committee of Supply and adoption of the committee’s recommendations.
The passage brings to an end the Assembly’s legislative consideration of the state’s 2026 budget proposals, following weeks of scrutiny and budget defence sessions by government ministries, departments, agencies and institutions.
The Assembly adjourned plenary to September 7, 2026, with the lawmakers expected to continue their legislative activities after the passage of the budget.
The rejection of the PAMO University allocation, however, stands out as a significant intervention by the lawmakers, signalling that proposed government spending on institutions and projects must be subjected to adequate scrutiny before public funds are committed.
