The Rivers State House of Assembly on Thursday resumed plenary after six months of suspension imposed during the State of Emergency.
President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, suspended the Assembly along with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following heightened political and security tensions in the state.
On Wednesday, the President lifted the emergency rule and directed the governor, his deputy, and the legislature to return to office effective September 18, 2025.
Lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, reconvened at the Assembly Residential Complex along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
At Thursday’s plenary, the members demanded a review of how funds were spent on projects and programmes during the emergency period.
The motion, sponsored by House Leader Major Jack, Deputy Leader Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others, was unanimously adopted by the 26 lawmakers present.
Moving the motion, Jack recalled that the emergency rule officially lapsed at midnight, restoring democratic structures in the state.
He listed the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections as one of the gains of the period, but insisted the Assembly must now work with Governor Fubara on a fresh financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people.
He argued that since the legislature neither debated nor passed the budget implemented under the emergency rule, it was important to establish clarity on how state funds were utilised.
He further noted that several contracts were awarded and monies spent from the Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
Jack also urged the governor to submit commissioner nominees for the constitution of the State Executive Council, in line with the Constitution and the peace accord that restored democratic institutions in Rivers.
He commended President Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule, assuring that the Assembly would uphold the Constitution and abide by the peace agreement in the interest of stability and good governance.
Speaker Amaewhule said the Assembly would formally write to Governor Fubara, requesting the list of commissioner nominees and a new budget proposal.
Meanwhile, a large crowd of supporters converged on the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday to welcome the governor following his reinstatement.
