Rivers Assembly gets new Majority Leader, Chief Whip

Major Jack (PDP, Akuku Toru 1) and Frankline Nwabochi (PDP, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni 1) have emerged, respectively, as the Majority Leader and Chief Whip of the Rivers House of Assembly.

The new house leaders emerged and subsequently took the oath of office following an election by 27 members during Wednesday’s plenary at the Assembly chamber.

Commenting on their emergence, Speaker Martins Amaewhule (PDP, Obio/Akpor 1) congratulated the officers while also charging them to remain committed to their new responsibilities.

Similarly, the “Financial Autonomy Bill, 2023” has scaled a second reading.

The Speaker emphasised the importance of the bill and stated his conviction that when passed, the governor would assent to it.

The Speaker, however, alleged that Governor Siminialayi Fubara had withheld the funds meant for the management of the Assembly for November.

He assured of the readiness of the house to continue its constitutional functions, irrespective of negative distractions.

The bill has also been referred to the House Committee on Public Accounts for hearings and other legislative scrutiny.

According to reports, the 32-member house has been operating in two factions since October, following the impeachment of Majority Leader Edison Ehie.

While Martins Amaewhule retained 26 members, Edison Ehie has been operating with four members.