Rivers House of Assembly is under attack — Speaker

The Rivers State House of Assembly said the state was currently under attack by individuals who did not want the legislature to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewule, and his 26-member faction, unanimously condemned the burning of the assembly chamber during plenary on Tuesday.

Members, therefore, called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals found to be involved in the act.

According to Amaewule, whenever the legislature of any state or nation is under attack, that state or nation is under attack too.

“Members of the legislature are representatives of the people, but currently, in Rivers, there is a problem because the legislature is under attack by some individuals who do not want it to perform its constitutional roles.”

The house, also during the sitting being the 83rd legislative session, made a first reading on the State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023.

The bill, sponsored by 27 members, including the Speaker, was presented at the floor by Mr Enemi George (PDP – Asari Toru II).

Explaining expectations of the bill, George noted that the bill sought to cater for the management of funds accruing to the assembly from the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

He said the measure was to ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds and other related matters.

George also noted that passage of the bill would promote independence of the legislature, accountability and efficient funds utilisation.

According to a report by NAN the state has two factions of the assembly following the crisis that erupted on Oct. 30, resulting to the burning of the hallowed chamber of the House.

The aftermath of the crisis led to the division in the assembly, with Speaker Amaewule leading 26 members while Mr Edison Ehie (PDP-Ahoada 11) leading four members as a speaker.