New Twist As Pro-Wike House Of Assembly Lawmakers Pass Financial Autonomy, Local Govt Amendment Bill

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new dimension as some lawmakers who were loyalists to Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023.

The factional House passed the Bill after debating on the Report of the House Committee on Public Accounts on the Bill.

The lawmakers reportedly held their Legislative Sitting in the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters at Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.

Commenting on the report which was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Major Jack, the factional Speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, stressed the importance of the passage of the Bill, which he noted will provide for the management of funds accruing to the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State; adding that the law will ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds.

It would be recalled that the 27 state lawmakers defected to the APC.

Meanwhile, following their defection, another factional Speaker of the Assembly, Edison Ehie, declared their seats vacant.

Governor Similanayi Fubara of the state had also on Wednesday presented the 2024 budget to four lawmakers led by Edison Ehie.