Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has signed and passed into law two bills by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the good governance of the state.
The two laws are: The Rivers State Local Government (amendment No.1) Law Number 5 of 2016 and the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice No. 7 of 2015
The governor speaking at the event on Saturday in Government House, Port Harcourt, affirmed that the new Local Government Law will give his administration the leverage to extend the appointments of the caretaker committees up to nine months.
He said “the extension of the tenure of the caretaker committees is aimed at ensuring stability in council administration”.
According to him, the criticism that the new law gives some caretaker committee chairmen third tenure is unfounded as the caretaker committees are not elected officials.
Wike said: “Instead of three months or six months, this amended law allows the governor to appoint caretaker committees for nine months.
“It is not meant to keep the caretaker committees in perpetuity. Once we have elected councils, the elected officials will stay for three years subject and for a maximum of two terms “.
He added: “Those in the APC who are criticizing this amendment have forgotten so soon that they passed laws in two minutes while they were at the State Assembly. This amendment has been done for the good governance of the state “.
Commenting on the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice No. 7 of 2015, governor said it will help the state to fight crime and maintain law and order.
Mr Dabo Adams, the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly assured that the House will continue to perform her duties for the good governance of the state. Also speaking Martin Amaewhule, Majority Leader, RSHA said the lawmakers passed the laws given their importance to the state.
