Rivers State House of Assembly Passes Three Crucial Bills, Adjourns Sine Die
The Rivers State House of Assembly has made significant progress in its legislative duties, passing three crucial bills at its 136th Legislative Sitting. These bills are aimed at strengthening the state’s governance structure and aligning its laws with federal regulations.
The Three Bills
The three bills passed by the Assembly include:
- Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025: This bill aims to grant the House powers, privileges, and immunity to perform its legislative duties effectively. By domesticating the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, the Assembly seeks to strengthen its role in governance.
- Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025: This bill seeks to repeal the existing State Electoral Law of 2018 and establish a new one, aligning with the Electoral Act of 2022 and the 1999 Constitution. The new law will provide for the establishment, composition, and functions of the Commission.
- Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025: This bill aims to repeal the State’s Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024, and re-enact a new Local Government Law that reflects contemporary laws and administration of Local Government Councils.
Speaker Amaewhule’s Remarks
Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule emphasized the importance of these bills, stating that they will help position Rivers State favorably among other states. He noted that the RSIEC Bill is crucial for aligning the state’s electoral laws with federal regulations. Similarly, the Speaker highlighted the need for a new Local Government Law that reflects constitutional provisions.
Adjournment Sine Die
After passing the three bills, the House adjourned sine die. Speaker Amaewhule commended the members for their dedication and hard work, stating that history will be kind to them for prioritizing the interests of the people.
Conclusion
The passage of these three bills marks a significant milestone for the Rivers State House of Assembly. The bills aim to strengthen the state’s governance structure, align its laws with federal regulations, and promote effective administration. As the bills await the Governor’s assent, the people of Rivers State eagerly anticipate the positive impact of these legislative efforts.
