Lawmakers call for transparency and fresh financial planning
The Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Thursday, September 18, 2025, for the first time since the declaration of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Tinubu in March. The session marked a significant return to democratic governance following the expiration of the six-month emergency period, which officially ended at midnight.
During the plenary session held in Port Harcourt, the legislators passed a unanimous motion calling for a comprehensive review of how funds were spent during the emergency administration, particularly focusing on projects and programs carried out without legislative input.
Motion calls for financial transparency and new governance framework
The motion was co-sponsored by nine members of the House, including House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others. All 26 lawmakers present at the sitting voted in support of the motion.
In presenting the motion, Hon. Jack pointed out that while the emergency period allowed for the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections, which led to the emergence of 23 chairmen and hundreds of councillors, there were growing concerns about how the state’s finances were managed.
He emphasized that the legislature had neither reviewed nor approved any budget during the emergency period and was therefore unaware of how the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account was utilized by the outgoing emergency Administrator.
“Several contracts were awarded and funds were disbursed without legislative oversight,” Jack said. “Now that democratic governance has been restored, the Assembly must carry out its constitutional responsibility to ensure accountability and transparency.”
Call for commissioner nominees and new budget proposal
The lawmakers further urged Governor Siminialayi Fubara to forward a list of commissioner nominees for the formation of a new State Executive Council, in compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and the terms of the peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state.
They also called on the governor to present a fresh appropriation bill to cover the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year, since the previous budget was implemented under emergency rule and without legislative scrutiny.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, who presided over the session, endorsed the motion and announced that the Assembly would officially communicate its demands to Governor Fubara in writing. He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
“We will reach out to the governor with a formal request for the list of commissioner nominees and a revised budget proposal. The Assembly is ready to work for the good of Rivers people,” Amaewhule stated.
Tinubu praised for restoring democracy in Rivers
Lawmakers took turns to commend President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the political crisis earlier in the year and for restoring democratic order in Rivers State. Hon. Jack specifically acknowledged the president’s role in ensuring peace and stability through the March 18 declaration of emergency rule, which was followed by the appointment of a temporary Administrator.
Jack assured that the Rivers State House of Assembly would fully respect the peace accord signed by political actors and continue to support efforts to rebuild public trust in governance.
“We are committed to upholding the Constitution, maintaining peace, and delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he concluded.
Background: Why emergency rule was declared
The emergency rule was declared by President Tinubu amid escalating political tensions in the state. The period saw the suspension of normal legislative activities and the appointment of a temporary Administrator who oversaw state functions without input from the Assembly. Key decisions, including budget implementation and contract approvals, were carried out during this time.
Now that the state has returned to full democratic operations, the Assembly is seeking clarity and transparency regarding actions taken during the emergency, including fiscal decisions and project executions.
The return of legislative activities is being seen as a major step toward political normalization and improved governance in Rivers State.
