In a significant development for Rivers State’s political landscape, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday, September 18, 2025, marking its first plenary session since March 2025. The session, held at the Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt, was a pivotal moment in the state’s return to full democratic governance following a six-month period of emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, wasted no time in asserting its constitutional mandate, unanimously adopting a motion that called for a comprehensive account of how state funds were managed during the emergency period. This demand for transparency and accountability underscores the legislature’s determination to restore oversight and ensure that the financial decisions made under the emergency regime align with the interests of Rivers State’s citizens.
The emergency rule, which was declared on March 18, 2025, and lasted until midnight on September 18, 2025, had suspended normal democratic processes in the state, including the operations of the State House of Assembly. During this period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as the Sole Administrator, wielding significant executive powers to manage the state’s affairs. The emergency rule was instituted in response to a period of political instability and governance challenges that had threatened the state’s stability. While the emergency measures facilitated critical activities, such as the conduct of local government elections across the 23 local government councils on August 30, 2025, they also sidelined the legislature, raising concerns about transparency and the proper use of state resources.
The resumption of plenary sessions marks a return to democratic normalcy in Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most politically vibrant and economically significant regions. The state, known for its vast oil and gas resources, has long been a focal point of national attention due to its economic contributions and complex political dynamics. The Assembly’s decision to demand a full account of expenditures during the emergency rule reflects broader concerns about governance, fiscal responsibility, and the need to restore public trust in the state’s institutions.
Background: The Context of Emergency Rule in Rivers State
To fully appreciate the significance of the Assembly’s actions, it is essential to understand the context that led to the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. The state has a history of political turbulence, often characterized by tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government, as well as factional disputes within the political class. These tensions have occasionally escalated into crises that threaten governance and public order, necessitating federal intervention.
In early 2025, Rivers State faced a series of challenges that culminated in the declaration of emergency rule. While the specific triggers for the emergency declaration were multifaceted, they included disputes over political appointments, budgetary processes, and the conduct of local government elections. These issues created a governance vacuum that prompted President Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which allows the President to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country facing significant threats to public safety or governance.
During the emergency period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval officer with a reputation for discipline and administrative competence, was appointed as the Sole Administrator. His mandate included stabilizing the state, restoring public order, and overseeing critical governance functions, such as the organization of local government elections. The elections, held on August 30, 2025, were widely seen as a step toward restoring grassroots democracy in Rivers State. However, the exclusion of the State House of Assembly from key decision-making processes, particularly those related to the state’s budget and financial management, raised concerns among lawmakers and the public alike.
The emergency rule effectively centralized power in the hands of the Sole Administrator, bypassing the checks and balances provided by the legislature. This centralization, while intended to address immediate governance challenges, led to questions about the transparency and accountability of financial decisions made during the period. The Assembly’s demand for a detailed account of expenditures reflects its commitment to reasserting its constitutional role as the state’s primary oversight body.
The Motion: A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The motion that set the tone for the Assembly’s first plenary session was sponsored by the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, and co-sponsored by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart, along with seven other lawmakers. The motion was a carefully crafted appeal for transparency, seeking to uncover the details of contracts awarded and expenditures made from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Account during the emergency rule.
In presenting the motion, Hon. Jack emphasized the importance of accountability in governance, particularly in a state as resource-rich as Rivers. He noted that while the emergency rule had achieved some positive outcomes, such as the successful conduct of local government elections, the legislature’s exclusion from the budgetary process was a significant oversight. “The people of Rivers State deserve to know how their resources were utilized during this period,” Jack stated, highlighting the need for a thorough audit of the state’s financial activities under the Sole Administrator.
The motion also called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to take immediate steps to strengthen democratic governance in the state. Specifically, it urged the governor to forward a list of commissioner nominees to the Assembly for screening and confirmation, a critical step in reconstituting the State Executive Council. Additionally, the motion requested the submission of an appropriation bill for the remainder of 2025, in line with constitutional provisions and the peace accord that facilitated the end of the emergency rule.
The unanimous adoption of the motion through a voice vote underscored the Assembly’s unity and determination to reclaim its role in the state’s governance. Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, who presided over the session, announced that the Assembly would formally communicate its demands to Governor Fubara through a letter. This letter would reiterate the need for the commissioner list and a fresh budget proposal, signaling the legislature’s intent to work collaboratively with the executive to address the state’s challenges.
The Role of the Rivers State House of Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly is a critical institution in the state’s governance structure, vested with the constitutional responsibility to make laws, oversee the executive, and ensure the prudent management of public resources. Comprising 32 members representing various constituencies across the state, the Assembly plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that affect the lives of Rivers State’s over seven million residents.
The Assembly’s suspension during the emergency rule was a significant departure from democratic norms, as it effectively silenced the voice of the people’s representatives. The resumption of plenary sessions, therefore, represents a restoration of the legislature’s authority and a reaffirmation of the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Speaker Amaewhule, a seasoned lawmaker with a deep understanding of the state’s political dynamics, has been a vocal advocate for legislative independence. In his remarks during the plenary session, he emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and abiding by the peace accord that ended the emergency rule. “We are here to serve the people of Rivers State and to ensure that their interests are protected,” he stated, reassuring the public of the legislature’s dedication to good governance.
The Peace Accord and the Path to Democratic Restoration
The peace accord referenced by the Assembly is a critical component of the process that led to the lifting of the emergency rule. Brokered under the auspices of the federal government, the accord was designed to resolve the underlying political conflicts that necessitated the emergency measures. While the specific details of the accord have not been made public, it is understood to include commitments from all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Rivers State and work toward sustainable governance.
The accord likely addressed issues such as power-sharing arrangements, the conduct of elections, and the restoration of democratic institutions. By referencing the accord in their motion, the lawmakers signaled their willingness to adhere to its terms while asserting their constitutional prerogatives. This delicate balance between cooperation and oversight will be crucial in the coming months as the state navigates the post-emergency landscape.
Commending President Tinubu: A Nod to Federal Intervention
In a gesture of appreciation, Hon. Major Jack commended President Bola Tinubu for his role in lifting the emergency rule and restoring democratic governance in Rivers State. The President’s decision to end the emergency measures was seen as a testament to his commitment to democracy and federalism, even in the face of complex political challenges.
Tinubu’s administration has faced significant scrutiny over its handling of state-level crises, with critics often pointing to the delicate balance between federal authority and state autonomy. In the case of Rivers State, the imposition of emergency rule was a controversial but necessary measure to prevent further deterioration of governance. The successful conduct of local government elections and the eventual lifting of the emergency rule demonstrate the administration’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining stability.
The Assembly’s commendation of the President also reflects the broader political dynamics at play. Rivers State, as a key player in Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, holds significant strategic importance. The federal government’s interest in ensuring stability in the state is driven not only by political considerations but also by economic imperatives, given Rivers State’s role as a major contributor to national revenue.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The resumption of plenary sessions and the Assembly’s demand for accountability mark the beginning of a new chapter in Rivers State’s political journey. However, several challenges and opportunities lie ahead as the state seeks to consolidate its democratic gains and address the underlying issues that led to the emergency rule.
1. Reconstituting the State Executive Council
One of the immediate priorities for Governor Fubara is the reconstitution of the State Executive Council. The absence of a fully functional cabinet during the emergency rule placed significant limitations on the state’s ability to implement policies and deliver services. The Assembly’s call for the submission of commissioner nominees is a step toward restoring the executive’s capacity to govern effectively.
The screening and confirmation of commissioners will be a critical test of the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government. In the past, tensions over political appointments have been a source of conflict in Rivers State, with lawmakers and the governor often at odds over the selection process. The Assembly’s insistence on a transparent and inclusive process suggests that it will closely scrutinize the governor’s nominees to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and reflect the state’s diverse interests.
2. Budgetary Oversight and Financial Accountability
The demand for a detailed account of expenditures during the emergency rule is a clear indication of the Assembly’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. Rivers State’s Consolidated Revenue Account, which includes revenues from oil and gas, federal allocations, and internally generated funds, is a significant financial resource that must be managed with utmost transparency.
The Assembly’s request for a fresh appropriation bill for the remainder of 2025 is equally significant. The budget is a critical tool for translating the state’s priorities into actionable programs and projects. By insisting on its inclusion in the budgetary process, the legislature is asserting its constitutional role as the approving authority for state expenditures. This process will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to engage with the executive on key issues such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic diversification.
3. Strengthening Democratic Institutions
The restoration of full democratic structures in Rivers State presents an opportunity to strengthen the state’s institutions and rebuild public trust. The Assembly’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and the peace accord is a positive step in this direction. However, sustaining this momentum will require ongoing collaboration between the executive, legislature, and other stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector.
The successful conduct of local government elections during the emergency rule is a notable achievement, as it has restored grassroots governance in the state’s 23 local government councils. The Assembly can build on this success by working with the newly elected council officials to address local challenges and ensure that democratic dividends reach the grassroots.
4. Navigating Political Tensions
Rivers State’s political landscape is characterized by intense rivalries and factionalism, which have often undermined governance. The peace accord that ended the emergency rule represents an opportunity to reset these dynamics and foster a more cooperative political environment. However, the Assembly’s assertive posture, while necessary for accountability, could potentially reignite tensions with the executive if not managed carefully.
Governor Fubara, who assumed office amid significant political challenges, will need to navigate these tensions with tact and diplomacy. His ability to work with the Assembly to address their demands while advancing his administration’s agenda will be critical to the state’s stability.
Implications for Rivers State and Beyond
The events unfolding in Rivers State have implications that extend beyond the state’s borders. As one of Nigeria’s most economically significant states, Rivers plays a pivotal role in the nation’s fiscal and political stability. The successful restoration of democratic governance in the state could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
At the national level, the Assembly’s demand for accountability resonates with broader calls for transparency in governance. Nigeria has faced persistent challenges related to corruption and mismanagement of public funds, and the Rivers State House of Assembly’s actions underscore the importance of legislative oversight in addressing these issues.
Furthermore, the Assembly’s commendation of President Tinubu highlights the delicate balance between federal and state authority in Nigeria’s federal system. The federal government’s role in resolving state-level crises, while necessary in certain circumstances, must be carefully calibrated to avoid undermining state autonomy.
Conclusion
The resumption of plenary sessions by the Rivers State House of Assembly on September 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward democratic restoration. By demanding a full account of expenditures during the emergency rule, the Assembly is asserting its constitutional role as the guardian of public resources and the voice of the people. The motion sponsored by Hon. Major Jack and supported by his colleagues reflects a broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
As Rivers State moves forward, the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government will be critical to addressing the state’s challenges and harnessing its vast potential. The reconstitution of the State Executive Council, the submission of a fresh appropriation bill, and the implementation of the peace accord are immediate priorities that will shape the state’s trajectory in the coming months.
The Assembly’s actions also send a powerful message about the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of adversity. By resuming its duties and demanding accountability, the legislature is reaffirming its commitment to serving the people of Rivers State and upholding the principles of democracy. As the state navigates the post-emergency landscape, the eyes of the nation will be on Rivers, watching to see how its leaders rise to the occasion and deliver on the promise of good governance.
