In a significant development signaling the restoration of constitutional governance in Rivers State, the Rivers State House of Assembly has launched a thorough investigation into the state’s financial management during the six-month period of emergency rule. This move comes as the state transitions back to democratic governance following the formal lifting of the emergency proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The decision to probe the state’s finances underscores the Assembly’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the restoration of effective governance after months of administrative disruption.
Background: A State in Transition
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions due to its oil and gas resources, has faced significant political turbulence in recent months. In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing severe political instability that threatened the state’s governance structures. The emergency rule led to the suspension of key democratic institutions, including the office of the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Nma Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. During this period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, effectively sidelining elected officials and halting legislative activities.
The emergency rule, which lasted six months, was marked by significant disruptions in governance, including the suspension of budgetary processes, delays in the appointment of commissioners, and the absence of a fully functional State Executive Council. The declaration of emergency rule was a response to escalating tensions between factions loyal to Governor Fubara and those aligned with Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State. These tensions had led to governance paralysis, necessitating federal intervention.
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, President Tinubu announced the formal end of the emergency rule, restoring Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their respective positions. The proclamation marked a critical step toward reinstating constitutional governance in the state and set the stage for the Assembly’s immediate actions to address the governance vacuum created during the emergency period.
Governor Fubara’s Absence and Public Expectations
The lifting of the emergency rule sparked widespread anticipation among Rivers State residents, particularly supporters of Governor Fubara, who expected his immediate return to the Government House in Port Harcourt. As early as 6 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, thousands of supporters gathered at the gates of the Government House, chanting slogans and expressing their enthusiasm for the governor’s reinstatement. The crowd included notable figures such as Hon. Chijoke Ihunwo, the sacked local government chairman of Obio/Akpor, and Hon. Ezebunwo Itche-Mati, the former chairman of Port Harcourt City, both of whom are known loyalists of Governor Fubara.
The presence of these sacked chairmen underscored the deep political divisions in the state, as their dismissal during the emergency rule had been a point of contention. The supporters’ gathering was a public demonstration of solidarity with Fubara, who has faced significant challenges in consolidating his authority amid opposition from factions aligned with Chief Wike.
However, by midday, the crowd began to disperse as it became evident that Governor Fubara would not return to the Government House as anticipated. The governor’s whereabouts remained uncertain, raising questions about the reasons behind his absence. Speculation abounded, with some suggesting that Fubara was strategizing his next moves in consultation with his political allies, while others posited that logistical or security concerns may have delayed his return. The absence of key figures loyal to Chief Wike, including newly elected local government chairmen, further highlighted the ongoing political rift in the state.
Assembly Resumes with a Focus on Governance
While the governor’s absence dominated public discourse, the Rivers State House of Assembly wasted no time in resuming its legislative duties. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Assembly held its first plenary session since the lifting of the emergency rule, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule. The session, held at the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, marked a significant milestone in the restoration of democratic processes in Rivers State.
The Assembly’s immediate priorities were clear: to address the governance vacuum created during the emergency rule and to ensure the swift reconstitution of the state’s administrative framework. In a series of resolutions, the House directed Governor Fubara to take urgent steps to restore effective governance. These directives included:
Submission of Commissioner-Nominees: The Assembly ordered Governor Fubara to immediately forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation. The absence of a fully constituted State Executive Council during the emergency rule had hindered the state’s ability to implement policies and deliver services effectively. The Assembly emphasized that a functional executive council was essential for addressing pressing issues such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
Preparation of an Appropriation Law: The House mandated the governor to commence the process of preparing an Appropriation Law to cover the remainder of the 2025 fiscal year. The emergency rule had disrupted the state’s budgetary processes, leaving Rivers State without a formal budget for much of the year. The Assembly’s directive aims to ensure that the state’s financial resources are allocated transparently and in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Probe into State Finances: In a move that has garnered significant attention, the Assembly announced the launch of a comprehensive probe into the state’s financial management during the six-month emergency rule. The investigation aims to examine how funds were allocated, expended, and managed under the sole administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. The probe is seen as a critical step toward ensuring accountability and addressing any potential financial irregularities that may have occurred during the period of emergency governance.
The Probe into State Finances: Objectives and Implications
The decision to investigate the state’s finances during the emergency rule reflects the Assembly’s determination to restore public confidence in the state’s governance structures. The probe is expected to focus on several key areas:
Revenue Allocation and Expenditure: Rivers State, as a major oil-producing state, generates significant revenue from federal allocations, internally generated revenue (IGR), and other sources. The Assembly aims to scrutinize how these funds were managed during the emergency rule, particularly in the absence of a functional legislature to provide oversight.
Contract Awards and Procurement: The investigation will examine contracts awarded during the emergency period, including infrastructure projects, service contracts, and other financial commitments. Concerns have been raised about the transparency of procurement processes under the sole administrator, and the probe will seek to verify whether due process was followed.
Debt Management: The Assembly will investigate whether the state incurred additional debts during the emergency rule and, if so, whether these were properly documented and authorized. This aspect of the probe is particularly significant given Rivers State’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and its history of managing substantial financial obligations.
Compliance with Financial Regulations: The probe will assess whether financial transactions during the emergency rule complied with federal and state financial regulations, including the Public Procurement Act and the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Any deviations from established guidelines could have far-reaching implications for the state’s financial integrity.
The probe is expected to involve the establishment of a special investigative committee, which will summon relevant officials, review financial records, and engage with stakeholders to gather evidence. The Assembly has pledged to conduct the investigation in a transparent and impartial manner, with the goal of presenting its findings to the public and taking appropriate action based on the outcomes.
The implications of the probe are significant, both politically and administratively. For Governor Fubara, the investigation represents an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to transparency and accountability. However, it also places him under scrutiny, as the Assembly’s findings could shape public perceptions of his administration’s ability to manage the state’s resources effectively. For the broader political landscape in Rivers State, the probe could further exacerbate tensions between factions loyal to Fubara and those aligned with Wike, particularly if the investigation uncovers evidence of mismanagement or favoritism.
Political Dynamics and Challenges Ahead
The resumption of legislative activities and the launch of the financial probe occur against the backdrop of a deeply polarized political environment in Rivers State. The rivalry between Governor Fubara and Chief Wike has been a defining feature of the state’s politics, contributing to the instability that led to the emergency rule. While the lifting of the emergency proclamation has restored constitutional governance, it has not resolved the underlying tensions between these two factions.
The absence of Wike’s allies at the Government House during the public gathering on Thursday underscores the ongoing divide. The newly elected local government chairmen, who are perceived as loyal to Wike, did not join the crowd of Fubara’s supporters, signaling their continued alignment with the former governor. This division could complicate efforts to restore unity and effective governance in the state, particularly as the Assembly moves forward with its legislative agenda.
For Governor Fubara, the immediate challenge is to navigate the political landscape while addressing the Assembly’s directives. The submission of commissioner-nominees and the preparation of an Appropriation Law require careful consideration, as these decisions will shape the direction of his administration. Fubara must also contend with public expectations, as his absence from the Government House has raised questions about his readiness to assume full control of the state’s governance.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Amaewhule, faces its own set of challenges. As a key institution in the state’s governance framework, the House must balance its oversight responsibilities with the need to foster cooperation with the executive branch. The probe into state finances, while necessary, could strain relations with the governor’s office, particularly if the investigation uncovers sensitive information. The Assembly’s ability to conduct a fair and transparent investigation will be critical to maintaining its credibility and ensuring public trust.
Public Reaction and Expectations
The developments in Rivers State have elicited a range of reactions from residents, political analysts, and civil society organizations. For many citizens, the lifting of the emergency rule represents a hopeful step toward restoring normalcy and addressing long-standing issues such as infrastructure decay, unemployment, and insecurity. The Assembly’s decision to probe the state’s finances has been broadly welcomed by transparency advocates, who argue that the investigation is essential for holding public officials accountable.
However, there is also skepticism about the potential for the probe to be politicized. Given the deep divisions in Rivers State’s political landscape, some observers fear that the investigation could be used as a tool to settle scores rather than promote accountability. Civil society groups have called for the Assembly to ensure that the probe is conducted independently and free from partisan influence.
The public’s expectations for Governor Fubara are equally high. As the state’s chief executive, Fubara is under pressure to deliver on his campaign promises and demonstrate effective leadership. His absence from the Government House on Thursday has sparked concerns among some supporters, who worry that internal divisions within his camp could undermine his ability to govern effectively.
Looking Ahead: Restoring Governance and Stability
The restoration of constitutional governance in Rivers State marks a critical juncture for the state’s future. The Assembly’s proactive steps, including the probe into state finances and the directives to the governor, signal a commitment to addressing the challenges that emerged during the emergency rule. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the ability of key stakeholders—Governor Fubara, the Assembly, and other political actors—to work collaboratively in the interest of the state’s residents.
For Governor Fubara, the immediate priority is to reconstitute the State Executive Council and present a budget that addresses the state’s pressing needs. These actions will require careful negotiation with the Assembly and consultation with stakeholders to ensure broad support. Fubara must also address the concerns raised by his absence from the Government House and reassure the public of his commitment to leading the state forward.
The Assembly’s probe into state finances has the potential to set a precedent for transparency and accountability in Rivers State. By conducting a thorough and impartial investigation, the House can demonstrate its commitment to good governance and restore public confidence in the state’s institutions. However, the Assembly must navigate the political sensitivities surrounding the probe to avoid further polarizing the state.
At the federal level, President Tinubu’s administration will likely continue to monitor developments in Rivers State closely. As one of Nigeria’s most important states, Rivers plays a critical role in the nation’s economy and political stability. The federal government’s decision to lift the emergency rule reflects confidence in the state’s ability to resolve its challenges, but ongoing support and oversight may be necessary to ensure a smooth transition.
Conclusion
The Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision to probe the state’s finances during the six-month emergency rule represents a bold step toward restoring transparency and accountability in governance. Coupled with the resumption of legislative activities and the directives to Governor Fubara, the Assembly’s actions signal a determination to address the governance vacuum created during the emergency period. However, the success of these efforts will depend on the ability of key stakeholders to navigate the state’s complex political dynamics and prioritize the interests of Rivers State’s residents.
As Governor Fubara prepares to assume full control of the state’s governance, he faces the dual challenge of meeting public expectations and addressing the Assembly’s directives. The probe into state finances, while critical for ensuring accountability, could further complicate the political landscape if not handled with care. For the people of Rivers State, the coming months will be a test of the state’s ability to move beyond its recent challenges and build a more stable and prosperous future.
