The Rivers House of Assembly, on Thursday, resumed plenary, following the expiration of the emergency rule in the state.
The assembly called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to forward the list of commissioner-nominees to it immediately for screening and confirmation.
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On 18 March, President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state in the wake of a prolonged political crisis caused by the power struggle between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Mr Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state legislators were suspended for six months by the president.
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Mr Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on Wednesday, 17 September, with Governor Fubara and others asked to resume duties.
First plenary in six months
The first plenary of the Rivers assembly in six months was presided over by Martins Amaewhule, speaker of the house, at the conference hall in the legislative quarters, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The assembly last sat on 12 March, a week before the emergency declaration.
The conference hall has served as the lawmakers’ temporary chamber since their official chamber at the assembly complex on Moscow Road was torched and later pulled down by Governor Fubara’s administration.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, who was the sole administrator of the state, could not complete the reconstruction of the assembly complex.
Review of how funds were spent during emergency rule
At Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers demanded a review of how funds were spent on projects and programmes during the six-month emergency period.
The motion, sponsored by nine members, including the House Leader, Major Jack, Deputy Leader, Linda Somiari-Stewart, and seven others, was unanimously adopted by all 26 members present.
Reading the motion, Mr Jack noted that the emergency rule officially lapsed at midnight on Thursday, restoring full democratic structures in the state.
The lawmaker recalled that one of the gains of the emergency period was the successful conduct of the 30 August local government elections that produced 23 chairpersons and councillors.
Lawmakers to work with Fubara
Mr Jack stressed the need for the assembly to work with Governor Fubara on a new financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers residents, since the legislature neither saw nor contributed to the budget implemented under the emergency rule.
The lawmaker noted that several contracts were awarded and funds spent from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone administrator, making it necessary to establish a clear picture of what transpired.
He urged the governor to forward the list of commissioner-nominees for the constitution of the State Executive Council, in line with the Constitution and the peace agreement that restored democratic institutions in the state. He also called on Mr Fubara to submit an appropriation bill for the remainder of the year.
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Mr Jack commended President Tinubu for restoring democracy in the state, assuring that the assembly would abide by the terms of the peace accord and uphold the Constitution in the interest of peace and good governance.
Mr Amaewhule, after a voice vote in which all members backed the motion, said the assembly would formally write the governor to request the names of commissioner-nominees and a fresh budget proposal.
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