Breaking: Rivers Assembly Set to Resume Sitting As Tinubu Announces Cessation of State of Emergency
by Ridwan Adeola, https://www.facebook.com/legitngnews · Legit.ng News · Join- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the suspension of emergency rule in Rivers state, which began six months ago
- The polity was calm as residents and political stakeholders await the resumption of Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- President Tinubu already directed Governor Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers state house of assembly to resume today, Thursday, September 18
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, election, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
Port Harcourt, Rivers state - The Rivers state house of assembly is set to resume legislative sitting from 10am on Thursday, September 18.
As reported by Vanguard, the lawmakers, led by its speaker, Martin Amaewhule, will resume sitting at the assembly's residential complex on Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Nation also noted the development.
Legit.ng gathered that the 27 Rivers lawmakers had arrived the oil-rich state some days before the expiration of emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu. The emergency rule had suspended democratic governance.
In the same vein, Governor Siminalayi Fubara will resume office today, Thursday, September 18.
Legit.ng previously reported how President Tinubu on Wednesday, September 17, lifted a six-month emergency rule in Rivers state, reinstating Governor Fubara and other officials, after saying that a constitutional crisis that had paralysed governance had finally been resolved.
The emergency rule, imposed on March 18, followed a standoff between Fubara and the state legislature. The feud disrupted budget approvals and left the government in limbo. Tinubu said the measure (emergency rule) was necessary to prevent anarchy.
Legit.ng reports that Rivers state, located in the oil-producing Niger Delta, is an important hub for Nigeria's crude exports. Militants have previously targeted pipelines in the region, affecting output and revenue.
Tinubu said intelligence reports showed a "groundswell of a new spirit of understanding" among political stakeholders, paving the way for a return to democratic governance. The governor, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the members of the house of assembly are now expected to resume duties.
Tinubu's emergency declaration triggered more than 40 legal challenges in courts across Abuja, the Nigerian capital city; Port Harcourt; and Yenagoa in Bayelsa state.
During the emergency period, the parties in the dispute held meetings locally and internationally, and are believed to have embraced peace.
Rivers assembly complex not ready
Meanwhile, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (rtd), who was in charge of the affairs of Rivers state during Fubara's absence, was said to have handed over to the head of service before leaving the Government House on Wednesday, September 17.
But the reconstruction of the house of assembly complex on Moscow Road, demolished during the Rivers political crisis, is yet to be completed.
Read more Rivers state news:
- APC woos Rivers Governor Fubara: “Announce your defection”
- Rivers sole administrator Ibas releases statement as Fubara set to return as governor
- Former governorship candidate Tonye Cole mentions APC leader in Rivers after exit of Amaechi
- Rivers LG poll: Analyst reacts as Wike regains control, predicts PDP’s fate, “gamesmanship”
Rivers: Atiku, Peter Obi speak out
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, criticised President Tinubu despite the Nigerian leader restoring democratic governance to Rivers state.
The presidential hopefuls, who said President Tinubu should not have suspended Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the first place, stated that the Nigerian leader's latest action should not be celebrated.
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