Politics
RVHA Rejects LG Autonomy
Among proceedings that dominated activities in the Rivers State House of Assembly last week was proceedings on the ongoing Constitutional amendment deliberations. The Assembly approved 15 alterations, with emphasis on the devolution of powers to the states.
The alterations made on the constitution by the House include fourth alleviation Bill, 2017 No 2,4,6,8,9,14,15,16,20,21,22,27 and 28. The House rejected six of the alterations and approved nine.
Among those approved are No. 2 which reduces the maximum period within which expenditure shall be made from previous budget before the passage of a new one from six months to three, No 4 deals with the autonomy of the legislature, No 8 deals with the legislative immunity, No 15: removed of the word “Force” form the Nigeria Police Force.
The House however rejected No 5, the autonomy for local government, No 6 strengthening of the local governments, No 9 INEC’s power and No 14 independent candidacy.
Last Thursday the House in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had a two day workshop to enhance capacity of lawmakers on enacting health insurance scheme legislation in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani who spoke at the event pointed out that the Assembly will work towards achieving universal health coverage.
Rt Hon Ibani explained that enacting laws that will legalise the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) will reduce health challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
In his words, “Usually, when people pay most of the cost of health services out of their own pockets, the poor are often unable to obtain the services they need even the well off may be exposed to financial hardship in the event of server long term illness”.
On her part, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Florence Fiberesima described the partnership between the Rivers State Government and USAID as a most welcome development.
Objectives of the workshop included building capacity of lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly on key concepts of health insurance legislations and their roles, providing information and critical analysis of the highlights and terms of a bill to enable legislators make informed decision on a health insurance bills.
Last Saturday members of the House representing Bonny Constituency, Hon Abinye Blessing Pepple laid his mother, Mrs Christiana Pepple to rest in Bonny.
The burial witnessed the presence of the Speaker and other top House members including Deputy Speaker, Hon Marsahll Uwom, Deputy Chief Whip, Hon Major Jack, Hon Christian Ahiakwo and Hon Adonye Diri of Opobo/Nkoro Constituency.
The lawmaker from Bonny in a speech during the church burial service at St Stephen’s Cathedral Bonny eulogized his mother for being caring and supportive.
Hon Pepple thanked all who came from far and near to attend the burial and prayed God to grant them journey mercies
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
-
Business6 hours agoNCDMB, Jake Riley Empower 250 Youths On Vocational Skills
-
Politics5 hours agoPFN Rejects Call For INEC Chairman’s Removal Over Genocide Comments
-
Oil & Energy7 hours agoNNPCL Unveils Gas Master Plan 2026 …….Targets 10bcf/day production
-
News8 hours agoGovs Move To Prioritise Sugar For Industrial Growth
-
Sports7 hours agoEkitike Stars As Liverpool Upstage Newcastle
-
Environment6 hours agoNigeria, UAE to waive tariffs on some products
-
Niger Delta6 hours agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Oil & Energy6 hours agoNUPRC Pledges Transparency In 2025 Oil Pre – Bid Round