The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, has screened and confirmed Emmanuel Frank-Fubara as a Commissioner. The confirmation took place during a plenary session on Monday, following a request from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In addition to the confirmation, the Assembly considered bills for the creation of a State Emergency Management Agency and the reform of the transport sector for the second time.
This plenary session marks the second convening of the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers since the Appeal Court’s decision on the House of Assembly crisis in Rivers State. Speaker Oko-Jumbo initiated the day’s proceedings by reading a correspondence from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, requesting the screening of a commissioner nominee.
Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, a legal practitioner with 26 years of experience from Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, was introduced into the chambers following the suspension of the House Rules. During his screening, Frank-Fubara promised to leverage his extensive experience for the development of the state. His nomination was confirmed unanimously by a voice vote.
Meanwhile, the parallel Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly also convened on Monday. During their sitting, the Amaewhule-led group issued a 7-day ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to the House. Governor Fubara had previously presented the budget to the Assembly loyal to him when his current Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, presided as the Speaker. The budget estimates were passed by the pro-Fubara lawmakers, and the governor subsequently signed the bill into law.
The ongoing crisis within the Rivers State House of Assembly highlights the political tensions and divisions within the state’s legislative body, with competing factions holding separate sessions and making divergent decisions on governance matters.
