The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday resumed plenary, following the expiration of the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
The Assembly had last sat on March 12, a week before the emergency proclamation. At its first sitting since then, lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion demanding a review of how 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 backed by all 26 lawmakers present.
Presenting the motion, Jack noted that the emergency rule officially lapsed at midnight, restoring democratic structures in the state. He cited the August 30 local government elections, which produced 23 chairmen and councillors, as a major achievement of the period.
He, however, stressed the need for a fresh financial plan with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, pointing out that the legislature neither reviewed nor contributed to the budget executed under the emergency regime. He said several contracts were awarded and funds disbursed from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone administrator, making it necessary to clarify financial transactions.
Jack further urged Governor Fubara to forward commissioner nominees for the constitution of a State Executive Council and submit an appropriation bill for the remainder of the year, in line with the Constitution and the peace accord that restored democratic governance.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule put the motion to a voice vote, which was unanimously carried, and directed that a formal letter be written to the governor requesting commissioner nominees and a new budget proposal.
Jack commended President Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, assuring that the Assembly would uphold the peace agreement and the Constitution in the interest of stability and good governance.
