Fubara Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday, marking its first plenary since March, after the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu officially expired at midnight.
During the sitting, lawmakers pressed for a review of financial transactions and contracts executed under the emergency administration, arguing that the legislature had neither seen nor contributed to the budget used during the period.
House Leader Hon. Major Jack, who moved the motion with eight other lawmakers including Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, said while the emergency period delivered notable gains such as the August 30 local government elections that produced 23 chairmen and councillors it was important to establish transparency around how state funds were spent.
“Several contracts were awarded and funds expended from the Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone Administrator. We must have a clear picture of what transpired and design a new financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people,” Jack said.
He also urged Governor Siminialayi Fubara to send in a list of commissioner nominees to reconstitute the State Executive Council and to present a fresh appropriation bill for the remainder of the fiscal year, in line with the Constitution and the peace accord that restored democratic institutions in the state.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule announced that the Assembly would formally communicate these demands to the governor, after all 26 lawmakers present unanimously backed the motion through a voice vote.
Jack further commended President Bola Tinubu for lifting the emergency and reinstating democratic governance, assuring that the Assembly would respect the peace agreement and prioritize stability and good governance in the state.
Tinubu earlier said the suspension of democratic structures imposed on 18 March had been a constitutional necessity to prevent “a total collapse of governance” after a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Nyesom Wike, paralysed the state. “It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation,” he said.
The President cited intelligence indicating “a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm” among Rivers stakeholders for peace and cooperation. “I do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I pronounced,” Tinubu added, urging Nigerian governors and assemblies to uphold peace and order as prerequisites for delivering democracy’s dividends.
Tinubu reminded governors and lawmakers nationwide that stability is critical to national progress. “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people,” he said. “Let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”
Hours before Tinubu’s announcement, tensions briefly flared at Port Harcourt’s Government House as aides to departing Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas staged a protest over alleged unpaid allowances. Videos of the demonstration quickly circulated online, prompting speculation about unrest within the government compound.
However, Ibas’ media adviser, Hector Igbikioiwubo, dismissed the protest as minor and insisted the atmosphere remained calm. “There is no crisis here,” he told reporters. “I am not aware of any such videos. Government House is peaceful, and the handover preparations are on course.”
PDP demands apology from Tinubu over Fubara’s suspension
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has called on Tinubu to issue a public apology for suspending Fubara and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Osadolor accused the President of overstepping his constitutional authority, arguing that the move undermines the separation of powers and poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Osadolor described the President’s intervention as an overreach, particularly highlighting the tone of Tinubu’s speech towards state governors.
“Yes, I think the President is overreaching when I read the last paragraph of his speech, where he spoke to governors as if he were a headmaster in a classroom,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for Tinubu to recognise the constitutional division of powers, adding, “He should apologise. I felt he should understand fully well that there is a clear division of powers.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of constitutional overreach and authoritarian tendencies in his handling of the political crisis in Rivers state.
In a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, the ADC criticised Tinubu for what it described as an “unconstitutional suspension” of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their subsequent reinstatement by presidential proclamation.
“This pesident’s decision to arrogate to himself the power to suspend and recall elected officials in Rivers State, as he had done, is whimsically autocratic and should be recognised and condemned as a threat to our democracy,” the party said.
“This president’s decision to arrogate to himself the power to suspend and recall elected officials in Rivers State, as he had done, is whimsically autocratic and should be recognised and condemned as a threat to our democracy,” the party said.
