The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a new turn as rival factions held separate public hearings on different bills, further deepening the divisions within the Assembly.
It is worth noting that the faction loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, held a public hearing on the Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill 2024 on Tuesday, August 20—the hearing aimed to establish a comprehensive framework for effective emergency management and mitigation in the state.
Deputy Speaker Timothy Orubienimigha emphasized the importance of the bill, stating that it would guide the state in creating robust laws. He assured participants that their input would be considered, saying, “Your contributions are crucial in shaping this bill.”
Stakeholders at the hearing commended the Assembly for the initiative, noting that the bill was timely, especially with the increasing severity of rainfall and associated emergencies.
Meanwhile, the faction loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, held a public hearing on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, on Wednesday, August 21. The bill seeks to repeal the existing Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law and establish a new framework for electricity supply, generation, transmission, and distribution within the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Franklin Nwabochi, explained that electric power was previously the exclusive domain of the Federal Government but is now a concurrent responsibility under the 1999 Constitution. He said the bill aims to establish the Rivers State Electricity Commission to enforce consumer rights and obligations, aligning with the new constitutional order.
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Amaewhule emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ input in the law-making process, highlighting the need for a legal framework to guide investment in the power sector, now that it falls under the Concurrent Legislative List.
Commenting on the bill, former Rivers ALGON chairman Allwell Ihunda described it as people-oriented, commending the Assembly for the initiative.
It bears mentioning that the parallel public hearings have further exacerbated the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, raising concerns about the impact on governance and the welfare of Rivers State residents.
