The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday reconvened after a six-month break, following the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The Assembly had last sat on March 12, a week before the emergency declaration. At Thursday’s sitting, lawmakers called for a comprehensive review of how state funds were spent on projects and programmes during the emergency period.
The motion — sponsored by House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven other members — was unanimously adopted by all 26 legislators present.
Reading the motion, Jack noted that the emergency rule formally ended at midnight Thursday, restoring full democratic structures in the state. He cited the August 30 local government elections, which produced 23 chairmen and councillors, as one of the notable achievements of the period.
He, however, stressed the need for the Assembly to collaborate with Governor Siminalayi Fubara on a new financial plan reflecting the aspirations of Rivers residents, since the legislature neither saw nor contributed to the budget implemented under the emergency rule. Jack also observed that several contracts were awarded and funds withdrawn from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the former Administrator, making it vital to clarify the spending.
He urged the governor to submit the list of commissioner nominees for the constitution of a new State Executive Council, in line with the Constitution and the peace agreement that restored democratic institutions. He further called on Fubara to forward an appropriation bill for the remainder of the year.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, after a unanimous voice vote, announced that the Assembly would formally write to the governor to request the commissioner nominees and a new budget proposal.
Jack commended President Tinubu for restoring democracy in Rivers State and pledged the Assembly’s commitment to the peace accord, constitutional governance, and the promotion of peace and good administration.
