- Condemns burning of chamber
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, at its 83rd legislative sitting has given first reading to the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023.
This bill was presented by 27 members of the House including the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
Presenting the Bill, the member representing Asari Toru constituency II, Enemi Alabo George, averred that the Bill seeks to cater for the management of funds accruing to the State House of Assembly from the consolidated revenue fund of the State to ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds and other related matters.
He added that the Bill when passed, would bring to fore the independence of the legislature.
Also, members unanimously and in strong terms condemned the burning of the hallowed Chamber of the House and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the arsonists.
Presenting the motion which was signed by 26 other members, the member representing Eleme constituency, Igwe Aforji, condemned the dastardly act of burning the Chamber.
Remarking on the motion, the Speaker, Amaewhule, said: “When the legislature of any state or nation is under attack, that state or nation is under attack.”
Amaewhule, therefore, condemned the arsonists and their actions and called on the relevant authorities to do the needful by arresting and prosecuting all those who were in one way or the other linked to the nefarious act.