News
Rivers Assembly Seeks Overhaul Of Constitution …Passes 17 Bills, 66 Motions
The Rivers State House of Assembly has said that if states must develop, then, the Constitution of the country must be reviewed.
The Minority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Benibo Anabraba, came out with this at a special session of the House to commemorate Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebration.
He particularly wanted labour matters transferred to the concurrent list so as to enable states legislate on them, since according to him, the state assembly was being inundated with petitions of either discrimination against Rivers citizens or outright denial of employment by most IOCs, or firms
“It is our hope as a state assembly, especially in a state like Rivers State, that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allow us to perform more functions, remove some of the things in the exclusive list and put them in the concurrent list.
“Mr Speaker, for instance, the issue of labour, which has always come before this house where our citizens would complain of discrimination from IOCs and other firms operating in Rivers State, complaining that they have either refused to employ them or do not engage them or do not carry out their corporate social responsibilities.
“If labour is brought into the concurrent list where the state assembly can legislate on it, we would be able to regulate the employment and industrial actions in our state because even the resources we have are in the exclusive list, and if we cannot control our natural resources, surely, we should be able to be part of the exploration or the industrial actions being taken on these natural resources”, he argued.
Also at the same event, the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule, who chronicled the achievements of the 8th Assembly since its inauguration in June, 2015, noted that the house has passed 17 laws and taken resolutions on 66 motions.
He expressed their resolve to ensure that the current administration is supported through legislation, “and we are doing just that” he said, noting that they would not relent in ensuring that they meet the expectations of their constituents and the state.
On his part, the Speaker of the assembly, Rt Hon Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani, assured that the 8th Assembly would continue to accommodate all people and shades of opinions not minding political differences or religious affiliations.
“It is this that would serve as the focus for this assembly to launch itself beyond the 50th anniversary of Rivers State” he noted, adding that the assembly was now poised to look into the future “to see where we can be 50 years after. Today, we have known where we are but in 50 years, where are we going to be?”.
He also added that since democracy is about the people, the 8th Assembly would not fail in living up to the task of adequately giving true representation, noting that they would not allow the labour of the founding fathers of the state go in vain.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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