The Rivers State House of Assembly has resumed plenary after the expiration of the Emergency Rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
The assembly, led by Speaker Hon. Martin Amaewhule, reconvened today, September 18, 2025, to tackle pressing issues affecting the state.
A motion sponsored by nine members of the House, including Hon. Major Jack—House Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo, and others, was passed.
Others are: Hon. Justina Emeji—Emohua Constituency, Hon. Barile Nwakoh—Khana Constituency, Hon. Igwe Obey Aforji—Eleme Constituency, Hon. Enemi Alabo George—Asari-Toru Constituency II, Hon. Tonye Adoki Smart—Port Harcourt Constituency II.
The Leader of the House, who read out the motion to the Speaker, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, noted that the emergency rule elapsed at 12 a.m. Thursday, adding that the decision restored all democratic structures in the state.
He noted that there was a peace parley that ushered in peace in the state, stressing that the peace must be sustained.
Jack said one of the gains of the emergency rule was the successful conduct of local government elections on August 30, which produced the 23 Local Government Area chairmen and councillors.
The resolution commends President Bola Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state.
It also declares that the House will continue to abide by all the terms of the peace parley and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the interest of peace and good governance of Rivers State.
Furthermore, the House requests the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to forward the list of his nominees for appointment as commissioners into the State Executive Council. This is to be done in line with the Constitution and the terms of the peace parley.
The House also calls on the Governor to commence the process of coming up with an appropriation law for the remaining part of the year.
This is aimed at addressing current realities and ensuring the state’s budget reflects the current needs of its people.
Additionally, the House resolved to ascertain what transpired in the last six months regarding award of contracts and expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, saying the investigation seeks to provide a clear picture of the state’s financial dealings during the emergency rule.
Similarly, the House planned to outline its legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third session of the 10th Assembly.
Lastly, the House empowers itself to make any other orders it deems necessary in the circumstance, ensuring it can take all necessary steps to promote good governance and transparency in Rivers State.
“Informed that there are several awards of contracts and funds spent from the Consolidated Revenue Account of the State for this purpose during the emergency rule by the outgoing Administrator and that there is a need to come up with a true picture of what transpired.
“Know that the Third Session of the 10th Assembly commenced in June 2025, but legislative business was adversely affected by the emergency rule and there is still no legislative agenda for making laws and oversight functions to address the current realities for the remaining part of this session.
“PURSUANT to the foregoing, we wish to respectfully pray this august House to resolve as follows:
“Commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for restoring democratic institutions in the state;
“Declare that the House will continue to abide by all the terms of the peace parley and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the interest of peace and good governance of Rivers State;
“Call on the Executive Governor of Rivers State—Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, to forward the list of his nominees for appointment as commissioners into the State Executive Council in line with the Constitution and terms of the peace parley;
“Call on the Governor to commence the process of coming up with an appropriation law for the remaining part of the year to address current realities;
“Ascertain what transpired in the last six months with regard to award of contracts and expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State;
“Immediately outline the legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third session of the 10th Assembly to reflect current realities;
“Make any other orders this House may deem necessary in the circumstance.”
