Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday September 18, 2025, six months after a State of Emergency, declared by President Bola Tinubu, suspended them from.
The presidential declaration also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, and Ngozi Ordu, his deputy, from office.
According to Channels News, Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker, arrived for the session on Thursday at about 11:33 a.m, which later turned to an informal session with the Assembly Members of are currently.
However, on the Order Paper for the day, there was only one item, which wes a Motion to Set Legislative Agenda for the Remainder of the Year for the 10th Assembly.
Meanwhile, Rivers people trooped out in their hundreds to welcome the returning Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to office.
Our reporter gathered that some were at the main gate of the Government House as early as 7am to show their support for the returning.
Despite waiting for hours, even under the early afternoon sun, no government official was available to address them.
The State of Emergency declared on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu expired Wednesday September 17, 2025, with Siminalayi Fubara, expected to return to office today, September 18.
Citizens of the state, who had been denied democratic rule and structures in the last six months, are anxious and desperate for a return to peace and normalcy in the state’s body politic.
Analysts already estimate the cost of Emergency rule on Rivers State to be in billions of Naira, with some urging the returning democratic administration to do a proper audit of revenues spent and potential income lost during the period.
They however agree that despite the political acrimony, between camps loyal to Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the FCT, that led to the declaration of State of Emergency, the returning governor and members of the House of Assembly should work together to ensure peace and progress.
Ijeoma Obi, public affairs analyst, in a radio interview monitored in Port Harcourt, said a lot is expected as the governor and legislators resume. “It is expected that they will work in harmony with the governor to deliver governance to the people. Because the people are yearning for it. The people have suffered.
“It is the people that are in the losing end. The people have gone through a lot with this state of emergency. People want to see a change in the political atmosphere.
“The governor should be allowed to continue with his old state executive council if he wishes. The assembly also is expected to look into other areas of governance,” she said.
