On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sessions with a firm commitment to investigate the budget allocations and expenditures managed by the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
Following a six-month suspension triggered by a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, the Assembly stressed the importance of reviewing the financial records handled by the outgoing Military Administrator.
This reconvening came immediately after the conclusion of the presidentially imposed emergency rule that had temporarily halted the activities of both the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State.
The lawmakers highlighted that the 10th Assembly had no involvement in the budget drafted by the National Assembly. Consequently, they resolved to establish a clear legislative roadmap for the remaining two years of their tenure. They also pledged to collaborate closely with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and uphold the agreements reached in the peace accord facilitated by President Tinubu.
Martins Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, announced these decisions following a voice vote by approximately 26 members, with Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol absent.
Among the key resolutions was a call for the governor to initiate the preparation of an Appropriation Bill that reflects the current economic and social realities for the rest of the year.
Additional decisions included expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for reinstating democratic governance in Rivers State and urging Governor Fubara to submit the names of his commissioner nominees for legislative approval.
“We have not had direct access to the National Assembly’s budget; our knowledge comes only from media reports. The contents remain unclear to us. No member opposes the motion; it is essential to verify the funds allocated to Rivers State and how they were utilized by the Administrator,” the Speaker remarked.
LEADERSHIP reports that the motion to define the legislative priorities for the remainder of the 10th Assembly’s third session was introduced by nine members and presented by House Leader Hon. Major Jack.
The motion stated, “In light of the above, we respectfully urge this esteemed House to resolve as follows:
“Firstly, commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for restoring democratic institutions within the state;
“Secondly, affirm the House’s commitment to adhere to all terms of the peace agreement and the Nigerian Constitution to promote peace and effective governance in Rivers State;
“Thirdly, request that Governor Siminalayi Fubara submit the list of his commissioner nominees for appointment to the State Executive Council, in accordance with constitutional provisions and the peace accord;
“Fourthly, urge the Governor to begin drafting an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year that addresses current challenges;
“Fifthly, investigate the contracts awarded and expenditures made from the state’s consolidated revenue fund over the past six months;
“Sixthly, promptly establish the legislative agenda for the rest of the third session of the 10th Assembly to align with present-day circumstances;
“And finally, take any additional actions deemed necessary by this House under the prevailing conditions.”
The Speaker praised the motion’s sponsors, acknowledging that the emergency rule had stalled the Assembly’s legislative functions but expressing relief at their return to work.
“It is crucial to honor the peace accord’s terms. I have heard the members, and there is unanimous support for the commendation of the President, the submission of commissioner nominees by the Governor, and the review of the past six months’ budgetary activities,” Amaewhule stated.
“For the state to progress, these budgetary and related issues must be addressed. The Governor should engage with us to ensure these matters are properly handled,” he concluded.
