From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, at its 85th legislative sitting, elected Major Jack, representing Akuku Toru Constituency 1, and former Whip of the House as the Majority Leader and Frankline Nwabochi, representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, as the new Whip.
The two new principal officers accordingly took their oath of office.
The Martin Amaewhule-led faction sat under tight security, even as court had since restrained the group and the aggrieved faction led by Edison Ehie from sitting pending the dispensation of the case.
Commenting on the election of the officers, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, congratulated the duo and charged them to be committed to their new responsibilities.
In another development, the Assembly the bill seeking to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 and other matters connected thereto its first reading.
It 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 stated his conviction that when passed, the governor would give his assent.
The speaker hinted that the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration has withheld the funds meant for the Assembly for the month of November.
He 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.
He thanked the 27 members of the House for passing a vote of confidence in him and other principal officers and reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the House and the state.