The factional Speaker of Rivers state House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule has hinted that the state Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has withheld the funds meant for the Assembly for the month of November, 2023.
The factional Speaker who disclosed this on Wednesday, at its 85th legislative sitting, said the House has resolved to perform its constitutional function despite the distractions.
Meanwhile, the members of the House of Assembly who passed a vote of confidence on the speaker, has elected Hon. Major Jack, the Member representing Akuku Toru Constituency 1, and former Whip of the House as the Majority Leader of the Tenth Assembly.
The House similarly elected Hon. Frankline Nwabochi, Member, representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, as the new Whip of the House; the two new principal officers accordingly took their oath of office.
Commenting on the election of the officers, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, congratulated the duo and charged them to be committed to their new responsibilities.
In another development, the Rivers State House of Assembly has given First Reading to a Bill which seeks to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 and other matters connected thereto.
In the same vein, the House debated on the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management(Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, after giving the Bill Second Reading.
Commenting on the Bill, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule harped on the importance of the Bill and stated his conviction that when passed the Governor will give his assent to the Bill.
Contributing to a Motion moved by Hon. Enemi George, Member, representing Asari Toru II, to commend the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol and other principal officers, Members spoke in unison and extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Rt. Hon. Amaewhule and his team, for upholding the tenets of democracy.
Remarking on the Motion, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule 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.
