Rivers State Assembly Reconvenes, Moves to Probe Budget and Expenditure of Former Administrator Ibas

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reconvened in Port Harcourt after six months of suspension, resolving to probe the budget and expenditure of the state under the former Military Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).

The Rivers State House of Assembly, which resumed sitting on Monday following the expiration of the emergency rule declared by the President, emphasized the need to scrutinize the state’s financial inflows and expenditures during the period when the 10th Assembly was sidelined from the budgetary process.

The Speaker Martins Amaewhule explained that the legislature never had access to the budget prepared by the National Assembly on behalf of the Rivers state and only became aware of its contents through media reports. He stressed the importance of clarifying what funds were allocated and how they were utilized.

Rivers State House of Assembly Resolutions and Legislative Agenda

During its sitting, the Rivers State House of lAssembly passed a motion sponsored by nine members and read by House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, outlining key resolutions for the remainder of the legislative session.

The resolutions included a call on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to forward the names of Commissioner nominees for appointment into the Rivers State Executive Council, the commencement of a new Appropriation Law to address current realities, and an investigation into contracts and expenditures made from the consolidated revenue fund in the last six months.

The lawmakers also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in Rivers State and pledged to abide by the peace parley agreements brokered by the Presidency to ensure stability and governance.

Speaker’s Remarks and Next Steps

Speaker Amaewhule praised the sponsors of the motion, noting that the emergency rule had interrupted the normal legislative process. He reiterated the Rivers State House of Assembly’s commitment to work with the executive in line with constitutional provisions and the peace framework.

He further emphasized that the review of financial activities under the past six months was not optional, stating: “If the state needs to move forward, the issue of budget and others should be taken into consideration. The Governor should liaise with us regarding the prayers.”

The Assembly adjourned its sitting to Monday, September 22, at 10:00 am, when further deliberations are expected to continue.