- To look into finances of Rivers under Ibas
By Abiola Olawale
The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally requested Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to submit the list of commissioner-nominees for legislative screening and confirmation.
This call comes during the assembly’s first plenary session since the recent lifting of the state of emergency.
The assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, emphasized the urgency of constituting a full executive council to address pressing developmental needs in Rivers State.
The motion for the submission of commissioner-nominees was sponsored by nine members including House Leader Hon. Major Jack, Deputy Leader Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, who highlighted that the nomination process is essential for ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
Reading the motion, Jack noted that the emergency rule officially lapsed at midnight on Thursday, restoring full democratic structures in the state. He recalled that one of the gains of the emergency period was the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections that produced 23 chairmen and councillors.
He, however, stressed the need for the Assembly to work with Fubara on a new financial plan that reflects the aspirations of Rivers people, since the legislature neither saw nor contributed to the budget implemented under the emergency rule.
Jack further noted that several contracts were awarded and funds spent from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account by the outgone Administrator, making it anecessary to establish a clear picture of what transpired.
Following the argument, Amaewhule placed the motion on a voice vote, which all members backed the motion.
The speaker then announced that the Assembly would formally write the governor to request the names of commissioner nominees and a fresh budget proposal.
