Rivers Lawmakers Talk Tough, To Probe Ibas, Emergency Govt.

…Target Financial Management Under Sole Administrator
…Ask Fubara To Present 2025 Budget, Commissioners List

By Franklin Adole

The Rivers State House of Assembly has launched a probe into the state’s finances during the six-month emergency rule under Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who served as sole administrator.

Lawmakers resumed plenary on Thursday following the lifting of emergency rule, declared on March 18 by President Bola Tinubu after a protracted political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The crisis had led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the legislature, with Ibas overseeing the state during the period.

With democratic structures restored on September 17, the Assembly moved swiftly to demand accountability, resolving to scrutinise financial transactions carried out under the administrator.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule said the probe was critical to transparency in the use of public resources. “The Assembly will ensure that the state’s finances are properly managed and accounted for,” he said, stressing that any irregularities would be addressed under legislative oversight.

The Assembly also directed Governor Fubara to transmit the 2025 appropriation bill for consideration and submit commissioner nominees for screening and confirmation. Both steps, lawmakers said, are vital to restoring effective governance in the state after six months of administrative suspension.

Analysts say the probe marks a decisive moment in Rivers politics — a time for reckoning on how public funds were handled during emergency rule. The outcome is expected to determine whether corrective measures will follow and how the legislature positions itself as a check on executive power.

The resumption of plenary, observers note, signals a new chapter in the state’s governance, with lawmakers under pressure to rebuild public trust by enforcing accountability and good governance.