Asks Fubara to nominate commissioners
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday resumed plenary for the first time since March, demanding a full account of how funds were spent during the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, which last sat on March 12 before emergency rule was declared on March 18, unanimously adopted a motion seeking clarity on contracts awarded and expenditures made from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account under former Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
House Leader Hon. Major Jack, who sponsored the motion alongside Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart and seven others, noted that while the emergency period produced local government elections across the 23 councils on August 30, the legislature was excluded from the budget process.
Jack said the emergency rule expired at midnight on Thursday, restoring full democratic structures, and stressed the need for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to work with lawmakers on a financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people.
He urged the governor to forward the list of commissioner nominees for the constitution of a State Executive Council and submit an appropriation bill for the rest of 2025 in line with constitutional provisions and the peace accord that reinstated democratic governance.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, after a unanimous voice vote, said the Assembly would formally write to Governor Fubara to request both the commissioner list and a fresh budget proposal.
Commending President Tinubu for lifting emergency rule, Hon. Jack assured that the Assembly would uphold the Constitution and abide by the peace agreement in the interest of good governance and stability in the state.
