The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed three critical bills aimed at strengthening the state’s legislative framework and improving governance.
The bills, which were passed during the Assembly’s 136th Legislative Sitting on Friday, are now set to be forwarded to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for assent.
According to reports, the three bills passed by the Assembly are the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
The Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025, seeks to grant the House powers, privileges, and immunity to perform its legislative duties effectively.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025, aims to repeal the existing State Electoral Law of 2018 and re-enact a new one to provide for the establishment, composition, and functions of the Commission in line with the Electoral Act of 2022 and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025, seeks to repeal the State’s Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024 and re-enact a new Local Government Law that will be in sync with contemporary laws in the administration of Local Government Councils.
The passage of these bills is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s governance structure and administration.
Remarking on the reports, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, stated that what the House is simply doing is the domestication of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which granted certain powers and privileges to the Legislature in the performance of its functions.
Amaewhule averred that the RSIEC Bill is very crucial, given the need to align with the Electoral Act and the Constitution.
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Similarly, the Speaker emphasised the importance of ensuring that the Local Government Law reflects certain constitutional provisions, adding that the Rivers State House of Assembly will continue to perform its legislative duties in the best interest of the people.
When the Speaker put the question to a vote, members unanimously voted in the affirmative for each of the three bills, passing them for onward transmission to the governor for assent in the interest of the state.
Commending members for their dedication and resilience, Amaewhule said, “For sacrificing your recess in the interest of the people, history will be kind to you.” He further praised them for going the extra mile in working for the state and its people.
The House thereafter adjourned sine die.
