“I Am a Politician, I Don’t Pay Tax” — Drama as Rivers Speaker Questions Commissioner Nominee

A screening session at the Rivers State House of Assembly turned tense after the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, questioned a commissioner nominee over her tax records.

The nominee, Charity Deemua, appeared before lawmakers during the screening of candidates nominated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointment into the state executive council.

During the session, Amaewhule raised concerns about the tax clearance certificate submitted by Deemua, noting that the document appeared outdated.

“I just wanted to know, so there’s no current tax clearance. Madam has not been paying tax since 2018. I just wanted to know if she’s been exempted from paying taxes. So let her tell us now,” the Speaker said.

In response, Deemua said she had not maintained steady employment in recent years.

“Like I said before, I’m a politician, I don’t have work,” she told lawmakers.

Asked about her employment history, she explained that she had previously held a government position.

“I was a member, a commissioner in the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission,” she said.

The Speaker then asked about her reported role in a local government caretaker committee.

“When were you? Hold on… local government caretaker committee member, right?” Amaewhule asked.

“I was just three months there,” Deemua replied.

“And I think November last year,” she added when asked when the appointment took place.

Amaewhule asked her to specify the year.

“2025,” she said.

The Speaker then asked whether she earned a salary during that period.

“You were not paid salary? Were you not paid salary?” he asked.

“In the caretaker committee, we were paid,” Deemua admitted.

Amaewhule pointed out that the admission contradicted her earlier claim that she had no income.

“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,” he said.

Deemua apologised and suggested she could address the issue.

“I’m sorry, Mr Speaker. But I think I can still go back for…,” she began before the Speaker interrupted and moved on to the next nominee.

A video of the exchange has since circulated widely online, prompting debate on social media about the role of politicians and their responsibility to pay taxes.