Rivers Assembly Elects New Leader, Whip

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State House of Assembly under the Speakership of Martins Amaewhule yesterday, at the 85th legislative sitting elected new Majority Leader and House Whip.

The newly elected are, Hon Major Jack, the member representing Akuku Toru Constituency 1, and former Whip of the House as the Majority Leader, while, Hon Frankline Nwabochi, member, representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, was elected the new Whip of the House.

THISDAY observed that the two new principal officers took their oath of office, immediately after they were voted  by the members present at the sitting.

The Speaker, Amaewhule, congratulated the duo and charged them to be committed to their new responsibilities.

In another development, the Bill seeking to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 and  other matters connected thereto, has reached first reading.

The assembly members also debated on the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, after giving the Bill Second Reading.

Commenting on the Bill,  Amaewhule harped on the importance of the Bill and noted his conviction that when passed the Governor will give his assent to the Bill.

The Speaker hinted that the Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has withheld the funds meant for the Assembly for the month of November, 2023 but stated the resolve of the House to perform its constitutional function despite the distractions, and referred the Bill to the House Committee on Public Accounts for public hearing and further legislative scrutiny.

Amaewhule also thanked the 27 Members of the House for passing a vote of confidence on him and other principal officers; and reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the House and the State.