…as Assembly launches probe into state finances during suspension
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday failed to return to the Government House in Port Harcourt despite being formally reinstated after six months of emergency rule.
From as early as 6 a.m., thousands of his supporters massed at the gates of the Government House, chanting and expecting his return. By midday, however, the crowd thinned out as the governor’s whereabouts remained uncertain.
Among those present were sacked local government chairmen loyal to him, including Hon Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Hon Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City.
Absent were allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, as well as the newly elected council chairmen considered loyal to him.
The stalemate followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration on Wednesday formally ending emergency rule in Rivers State.
The proclamation restored Governor Fubara, his deputy Dr Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly. During the suspension, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) acted as sole administrator.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting at the legislative quarters, with Speaker Rt Hon Martins Amaewhule presiding.
The Assembly has directed Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara to immediately forward the list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation.
At its first plenary sitting yesterday since the end of the six-month emergency rule, the House also ordered the governor to commence the process of preparing an Appropriation Law to cover the remainder of the fiscal year.
The sitting, presided over by Speaker Rt Hon Martins Amaewhule, resolved that the swift constitution of the State Executive Council and passage of a budget were necessary to restore governance after months of disruption.
The emergency rule had been declared in March, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the Assembly. On Wednesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the official lifting of the proclamation, restoring constitutional governance in the state.
