NB247
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday after serving out six months of suspension under the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
On March 18, Tinubu declared emergency rule in the state following a protracted political crisis arising from the rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
He however, lifted the emergency rule on Wednesday, and restoring all democratic structures.
At Thursday’s plenary, the lawmakers asked Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, to transmit the 2025 appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration.
Lawmakers also urged the governor to forward the list of commissioner-nominees to the house for screening and confirmation in line with the peace agreement that resulted in the restoration of democracy in the state.
Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the house, presided over the plenary at the conference hall nestled within the legislative quarters.
The Assembly last sat on March 12, a week before the emergency declaration.
At Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers demanded a review of how funds were spent on projects and programmes during the six-month emergency period.
The motion, sponsored by nine members including House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others, was unanimously adopted by all 26 members present.
Reading the motion, Jack noted that the emergency rule officially lapsed at midnight on Thursday, restoring full democratic structures in the state.
He recalled that one of the gains of the emergency period was the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections that produced 23 chairmen and councillors.
He, however, stressed the need for the Assembly to work with Governor Siminalayi Fubara on a new financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people, since the legislature neither saw nor contributed to the budget implemented under the emergency rule.
Jack further noted that several contracts were awarded and funds spent from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone Administrator, making it necessary to establish a clear picture of what transpired.
Jack commended President Tinubu for restoring democracy in the state, assuring that the Assembly would abide by the terms of the peace accord and uphold the Constitution in the interest of peace and good governance.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, after a voice vote in which all members backed the motion, said the Assembly would formally write the governor to request the names of commissioner nominees and a fresh budget proposal.
The assembly is still under construction following its demolition months ago by the state government.
