Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has resumed office in Port Harcourt after being suspended by a six-month emergency rule, saying he would not to take President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s kindness for granted.
He returned to office as the House of Assembly asked him to present his list of Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation.
Unlike the Rivers State House of Assembly, that resumed on Thursday after the six-month emergency rule, Fubara resumed on Friday.
Addressing his large crowd of jubilant supporters who gathered to celebrate his return at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, the Governor expressed massive appreciation for those standing by him during his six-month suspension.
He thanked them and the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support and show of solidarity during the period of his suspension.
“I appreciate everyone who gave support to bring normalcy back to Rivers State. I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed,” Fubara said.
He further assured his constituents of his continued commitment to the state, adding, “We will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us. I won’t take President Tinubu’s kindness for granted.”
Meanwhile, the House, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, at its first plenary session on Thursday, instructed the Governor to engage the process to present an Appropriation and Budge Law for the remaining part of the year.
These were part of the resolutions of the House during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
Supporters thronged Government House and adjoining roads in Port Harcourt to celebrate the return of the Governor Siminalayi, whose absence provoked suspense and confusion after he failed to show up.
Musicians, masquerades and dancers caused a gridlock during the day’s festivities.
However, the crowd waited in vain for his appearance, even as his aides denied knowledge of his whereabouts or when he would return to the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, also reconvened on Thursday, addressing key issues including the passage of a motion to probe activities under the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, during the emergency rule.
The motion, sponsored by nine lawmakers, including House Leader Major Jack, Linda Somiari-Stewart, and Sylvanus Nwankwo, commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state.
The House also requested Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for appointment as commissioners to the State Executive Council and prepare a supplementary appropriation bill for the remainder of the year to reflect current realities.
The lawmakers resolved to investigate contracts awarded and expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund during the emergency rule, citing the need for transparency and accountability.
They also pledged to develop a legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third session of the 10th Assembly.
