Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule faction, yesterday, held its sitting behind closed doors, amid tight security, despite a court order stopping the two factions from carrying out legislative functions.

The House also disregarded the redeployment of the Clerk, Emeka Amadi, against earlier directive by the state government, transferring the clerk and his deputy out of the legislative arm of the state.

Recall that the government had, in a confidential circular marked A238/VOL. XV (15)/81 dated November 20, 2023 and signed by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, announced the transfer of Amadi to Scholarship Board, Deputy Clerk, Calistus Ojirika, and Head of Legislative Department in the state Assembly posted to the Readers Project.

However, the House, led by Amaewhule, at its 85th legislative sitting, has elected Major Jack, the member representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 1, and former Whip of the House as the Majority Leader of the 10th Assembly.

The lawmakers also elected Franklin Nwabochi, member, representing Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1 as the new Whip of the House; the two new principal officers, accordingly, took the oath of office.

Amewhule, while swearing in the duo, congratulated them and charged them to be committed to their new responsibilities.

In the same vein, the state Assembly has given the First Reading to a Bill, which seeks to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 and other matters connected to it.

The House also debated on the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, after giving the Bill a Second Reading.

Speaking on the Bill, the Speaker stressed the importance of the Bill, noting that it would be assented to by the governor of the state when passed into law.
He accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of withholding the funds meant for the Assembly for November 2023.

Amaewhule disclosed the resolve of the House to perform its constitutional function despite the distractions.

He, however, referred the Bill to the House Committee on Public Accounts for public hearing and further legislative scrutiny.

Meanwhile, recall that a Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, had issued Form 48 against the factional Speaker of the House, Amaewhule, and his deputy, Dumle Maol, for contempt of court.