Rivers speaker Martin-Amaewhule.webp

The Digest:

A tense exchange has emerged during the screening of commissioner nominees at the Rivers State House of Assembly, with Speaker Martin Amaewhule grilling nominee Charity Deemua over her tax clearance certificate. The video, circulating online, captures Amaewhule pointing out that Deemua's tax clearance appeared outdated, asking if she had been exempted from paying taxes since 2018. Deemua responded: "As I said before, I'm a politician, I don't have work." When pressed about income from a caretaker committee role in November 2025, she admitted she was paid. Amaewhule concluded: "You were paid? Yes. Is that not income? But you said you have not had any income from 2018 to date as a politician. So, no tax clearance, and that's what you are telling Rivers, people. Madam, that is not nice. You are misleading the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly." Deemua apologized but was interrupted. The exchange has sparked online reactions, with Nigerians questioning what taxpayers are paying for if politicians claim they don't work.

Key Points
  • Deemua claims, "I'm a politician, I don't have work," to explain the lack of tax payments.
  • Admitted to receiving a salary from the caretaker committee in November 2025.
  • Speaker calls her explanation "not nice," says she's misleading the Assembly.
  • Video goes viral, sparking debate about politicians and tax compliance.
  • Deemua was among four nominees rejected by the Assembly.
A Rivers commissioner nominee's defense, "I'm a politician, I don't pay tax," has ignited a firestorm online, as Nigerians ask the obvious: if politicians don't work, what exactly are taxpayers funding?

Sources: Daily Post


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