The Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday, pledging to investigate the budget and spending of the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
After six months of suspension under the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, the Assembly stressed the need to scrutinize the funds received and disbursed by the outgone military administrator.
The lawmakers returned to legislative duties following the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on both the executive and legislature.
They noted that the resolution was critical since the 10th Assembly had no input in the budget prepared by the National Assembly. The House also resolved to set a legislative agenda for the remaining two years, promising to cooperate with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and uphold the peace accord brokered by President Tinubu.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule disclosed this after a voice vote by about 26 members, excluding Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, who was absent.
The Assembly further resolved to call on the governor to immediately initiate an Appropriation Bill for the rest of the year to meet current needs.
Other resolutions included commending President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in Rivers State and urging Fubara to forward names of Commissioner-nominees for confirmation.
“We never sighted the budget by the National Assembly but only read it on the pages of Newspapers. We don’t know what it contained. No member of the House is against the motions; there is need to ascertain what came into Rivers State and expenditure by the Administrator,” the Speaker stated.
It was gathered that nine lawmakers sponsored the motion to set the legislative agenda, but it was read by the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack.
The motion read in part:
“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 would continue to abide by all the terms or 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 to forward the list of his nominees for appointment as commissioners into the State Executive Council in line with 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 regards 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.”
Speaker Amaewhule commended the motion’s sponsors, saying the emergency rule halted legislative activity.
“But we thank God that we’re back. There’s need to abide by the terms of the peace parley. I listened to you all and no member is against the prayers especially on commendation for the President, forwarding of commissioners nominees by the Governor and review of what transpired in the last six months and what happened to the budget,” he said.
“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,” Amaewhule added.
