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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary session after the six-month suspension imposed during the emergency rule, yesterday and resolved to probe the state’s finances during the six-month rule of Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.
Lawmakers also asked reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara to transmit the 2025 appropriation bill to the legislature for consideration and also forward the list of commissioner-nominees to the house for screening and confirmation.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, citing political instability and governance issues.
The declaration was subsequently approved by the Senate, which exercised its constitutional power under the amended 1999 Constitution to endorse the president’s proclamation.
The emergency rule involved the suspension of the state governor and the establishment of an administrator to oversee governance amid political turmoil.
The assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, reconvened at the Assembly Residential Complex along Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, Port Harcourt. At the sitting, the lawmakers resolved to investigate the income and expenditures of the six months emergency rule. They also wrote to Governor Fubara to submit names of commissioner-nominees and appropriation bill.
The Assembly held its last plenary on March 12 about a week before the president declared the state of emergency.
Meanwhile, supporters of the reinstated Siminalayi Fubara expressed concerns and dispersed in disappointment as they awaited in vain for his arrival at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Thousands of Rivers people gathered in the morning till afternoon at the Government House to receive the governor after the expiration of his six months suspension.
Security personnel barred Government House staff from accessing the complex while awaiting resumption of the governor.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency and reinstated the governor, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu and the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
Earlier, Vice Admiral Ibas, in his final state-wide broadcast, appealed to Rivers’ people to support Fubara as he resumes his duties as governor.
The sole administrator’s broadcast followed the announcement by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, lifting the six-month emergency rule and restoring full democratic governance in Rivers.
Ibas said: “My dear citizens of Rivers State, it’s with gratitude in my heart and humility in my spirit that I address you today, for the final time as administrator of our beloved State.
“Six months ago, Tinubu entrusted me with this solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history.
“Today, I can say with conviction that by the grace of God and through our collective effort, the mandate has been accomplished.
“Law and order has been restored, local governments elections have been conducted and chairmen elected by the people now serve in office.
“Statutory boards and commissions have been reconstituted and are performing their duties; the state budget has been passed by the National Assembly providing a legitimate physical framework for governance. These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us that reflect the resilience of the people determined never to let their state slip into paralysis.
“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“As I reflect on this assignment, I do so with deep appreciation, I have met outstanding men and women across this state bureaucracy, diligent in their duties and devoted to our state. I have benefited from the wise guidance and counsel of statesmen who spoke truth at all moments.
“Now as I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me, this is the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service at sea, diplomacy and now in governance.”
