By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State government has been given the power to spend all monies accruing to the state without saving for emergency situations.
This is sequel to the repealing of the Rivers State Reserved Fund Law of 2008 by the Rivers State House of Assembly (RVHA).
Debating on the Rivers State Reserved Fund Repeal Bill, 2017, Majority Leader of the assembly, Martin Amaewhule said the current economic situation can no longer allow the government to safe for emergency situations, adding that the state governor, Nyesom Wike needs all the monies to continue with ongoing projects in the state.
While calling for its repeal, Amaewhule said the law cannot continue to remain as the government cannot to implement it. On his part, the Whip of the House, Evan Bipi alleged that the law was made in bad taste with the intension of siphoning funds of the state. Earlier, chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Major Jack while submitting the committee’s report said after meeting with relevant stakeholders, it was agreed that the law be repealed.
The committee also recommended that all monies accruing to the state be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Account. Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani while passing the bill into law said the socio-economic situation of the country does not support saving, hence there is no need for the law to remain.
