The Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved to donate N2 million to the families affected by the tragic boat accident that claimed the lives of 11 victims in the State.
The announcement was made by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, during a plenary session on Thursday held at the makeshift hallowed chamber within the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Amaewhule expressed the Assembly’s condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the boat accident, and as a gesture of support, we have decided to donate the sum of N2 million to the families of the victims.”
Additionally, during the same plenary session, two bills underwent their second reading: the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Amendment Law 2024 and the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-Owned Property Prohibition Repeal Law 2024.
The Majority Leader, advocated for the Traditional Rulers Amendment Law, Major Jack, highlighting its significance, saying, “The major provision of this bill is to allow the Rivers State House of Assembly to be part of recognizing and or derecognizing a traditional ruler in this state.”
Simultaneously, Hon Tonye Adoki, the representative of Port Harcourt 3 Constituency, presented the Advertisement and Use of State-Owned Property Prohibition Repeal Law.
He argued, “The reason for repealing this law is because things today are on the high side, Mr. Speaker. I know you are aware of the situation of things in this country where costs have tripled, and most families cannot afford a square meal.”
Supporting Adoki’s stance, Alfiks Kagbang, the representative of the Andoni constituency, added, “My people have asked me to support the bill.”
Following the debates, Amaewhule signaled the bills’ successful passage of the second reading by bringing down the gavel.
The bills have now been forwarded to individual committees for thorough scrutiny and are expected to be reported back within two weeks.
If enacted into law, these bills could potentially curtail the powers of the governor in the processes of recognizing or appointing traditional rulers in the state and overseeing public facilities. The Assembly is set to reconvene on January 19th, 2024.
