Rivers Assembly Resumes Plenary, Demands Review of Emergency Rule Expenditures

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday resumed plenary, following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

The Assembly had last convened on March 12, a week before the declaration of the emergency rule.

At Thursday’s sitting, lawmakers demanded a comprehensive review of how funds were utilised on projects and programmes during the period of emergency administration.

The motion, co-sponsored by nine members including House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others, was unanimously adopted by all 26 members in attendance.

Presenting the motion, Jack noted that the emergency rule officially lapsed at midnight on Thursday, thereby restoring full democratic structures in Rivers State. He highlighted the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections, which produced 23 chairmen and councillors, as one of the gains of the emergency administration.

However, he emphasised the need for the legislature to collaborate with Governor Siminalayi Fubara in drafting a new financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people, since the Assembly neither saw nor contributed to the budget implemented during the emergency rule.

Jack further pointed out that several contracts were awarded and funds disbursed from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), stressing the importance of establishing clarity on the expenditures.

He also urged the governor to forward the list of commissioner nominees for the constitution of the State Executive Council in accordance with the Constitution and the peace agreement that restored democratic institutions. In addition, he called on Fubara to present an appropriation bill to guide state spending for the remainder of the year.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, after a unanimous voice vote, ruled in favour of the motion and announced that the Assembly would formally write to the governor to request the names of commissioner nominees and a fresh budget proposal.

Jack commended President Tinubu for restoring democracy in the state, assuring that the Assembly would uphold the Constitution, abide by the peace accord, and work for peace and good governance.