PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday held its first plenary since the expiration of the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, demanding a detailed review of how public funds were spent during the period.
The Assembly last sat on March 12, a week before the emergency proclamation. At Thursday’s session, lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others, insisting that the state government provide a full account of projects and programmes executed under emergency rule.
Reading the motion, Jack emphasized that while the emergency period yielded some gains — including the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections that produced 23 council chairmen and councillors — the legislature had no input in the budget implemented during the period.
He noted that several contracts were awarded and funds drawn from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone Administrator, making it imperative for the Assembly to establish transparency and accountability.
Jack also urged Governor Siminialayi Fubara to submit the list of commissioner nominees for the constitution of a State Executive Council, as required by the Constitution and the peace accord that restored democratic governance in the state. He further called on the governor to present a fresh appropriation bill for the remainder of the year.
After a unanimous voice vote, Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule announced that the Assembly would formally write to the governor to request both the list of nominees and a new budget proposal.
Commending President Tinubu for lifting the emergency and restoring democracy, Jack assured that the Assembly would abide by the peace accord and uphold the Constitution in the interest of peace and good governance in Rivers State.
Comments