JUST IN: Tension In Rivers As Pro-Fubara, Wike-Backed Lawmakers Hold Rival Public Hearings
Rival factions within the Rivers State House of Assembly recently held separate public hearings on different bills, reflecting the deepening divisions between the groups.
One faction, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, conducted a public hearing on the Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill 2024 on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Meanwhile, the opposing faction, led by Martin Amaewhule and aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a public hearing on the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill 2024 the following day, Wednesday, August 21.
The Electricity Market Bill seeks to repeal the existing Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law and establish a new framework for electricity supply, generation, transmission, and distribution within the state.
These parallel public hearings have exacerbated the divide between the two factions, raising concerns among residents about the Assembly’s stability.
Deputy Speaker Timothy Orubienimigha, representing the Oko-Jumbo faction, spoke at their public hearing, highlighting the importance of the Rivers Emergency Management Agency Bill. He stressed that the bill aims to create a comprehensive framework for effective emergency management in the state. Orubienimigha assured attendees that their contributions would play a crucial role in shaping the bill, which is particularly timely given the increasing severity of rainfall and related emergencies.
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On the other side, Franklin Nwabochi, Chairman of the House Committee on Power and a member of the Amaewhule faction, explained that the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill addresses the state’s new responsibilities under the 1999 Constitution, which now includes electricity as a concurrent responsibility with the Federal Government. The bill, sponsored by Amaewhule, proposes the establishment of the Rivers State Electricity Commission to enforce consumer rights and obligations, aligning with the new constitutional order.
Amaewhule emphasized that the public hearing offered a platform for residents to express their views on the proposed legislation, which aims to enhance power supply and attract investment in the state’s electricity sector. He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to enacting impactful laws that benefit the people of Rivers State.
