The Rivers State House of Assembly has approved three new bills aimed at shaping the state’s governance structure.
The bills were passed during the Assembly’s 136th Legislative Sitting on Friday and will be sent to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approval.
The approved bills include 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 Powers and Privileges Bill seeks to give the Assembly certain rights and protections to carry out its duties without interference.
The RSIEC Bill will replace the 2018 electoral law and set new guidelines for the state’s electoral body in line with the 2022 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.
The Local Government Bill will replace previous laws from 2018, 2023, and 2024, introducing a new framework for managing local government councils.
Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule explained that the House was adopting parts of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which grants lawmakers certain authorities in carrying out their duties.
He also noted the need for the RSIEC Bill to align with national electoral laws, while the Local Government Bill was crafted to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.
After discussions, members of the Assembly agreed on the importance of the bills and gave their approval.
Rivers Assembly Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely
The fresh budget presentation scheduled for Wednesday March 19 may have suffered a setback as the Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned its plenary indefinitely.
This decision, made during a session held at the assembly quarters in Port Harcourt on Friday, has raised concerns about the fate of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had earlier written to the Assembly, requesting a new date for the budget presentation after his initial attempt on March 12 was unsuccessful.
He and his entourage were reportedly locked out of the Assembly Complex, despite prior notice of his visit.
In his latest letter, dated March 13, the governor proposed presenting the budget on March 19 or any other convenient date within the month.
He reminded the lawmakers that the Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, had directed the presentation of the budget to the Assembly.
