Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Martin Amaewhule, on Wednesday, held a sitting and elected Major Jack, the member representing Akuku Toru Constituency 1, and former Whip of the House as Leader of the Assembly.
The lawmakers also elected Frankline Nwabochi, member, representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, as the new Whip of the House.
The sitting held despite an order from a high court in the state barring both the Edison Ehie and Amaewhule led-factions of the assembly from sitting.
It was also reported that the sitting held under heavy security presence.
Clerk of the House, Mr. Emeka Amadi who has earlier been redeployed to the State Scholarship Board also sat along with the lawmakers.
Commenting on the election of the officers, factional speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, congratulated the duo and charged them to be committed to their new responsibilities.
The lawmakers also gave First Reading to a bill which seeks to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 and other matters connected thereto.
In the same vein, the House debated on the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, after giving the bill second reading.
Commenting on the bill, Amaewhule stated his conviction that when passed the Governor will give his assent.
The factional-speaker lamented that the Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has withheld the funds meant for the assembly for the month of November, 2023; but stated the resolve of the house to perform its constitutional function despite the distractions, and referred the bill to the House Committee on Public Accounts for public hearing and further legislative scrutiny.
