Following the lifting of the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu last Wednesday, the Rivers State House of Assembly has swung into action, as the lawmakers resumed plenary on Thursday.
President Bola Tinubu had lifted the emergency rule on September 17, with the Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly asked to resume duties on September 18.
The plenary, which was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule took place at the conference hall located within the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The conference hall has served as the lawmakers’ temporary chamber since their official chamber at the assembly complex on Moscow Road was torched and presently undergoing reconstruction.
At Thursday’s plenary, which was the first by the Assembly since their last sitting on March 12, 2025, the legislators adopted a motion sponsored by nine members to review how funds were expended on projects and programmes, during the period of emergency rule.
Moving the motion, the Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack and the Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart and seven others said their was a need to establish a clear picture of where the state stood financially since several contracts were awarded and funds spent from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
The Assembly noted that since it neither saw nor contributed to the state budget, it was necessary to work with the state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara on a new financial plan, in form of an Appropriation Bill, that will reflect the aspirations of the people of the state.
The Assembly also urged the governor to, in line with the Constitution and the peace agreement, forward the list of commissioner nominees that will constitute the State Executive Council to it for confirmation.
When the Speaker of the House, Rt.Hon Martins Amaewhule, called for a voice vote, all the 26 members were in support of the motion.
