The Rivers State House of Assembly Bill 2018, which seeks to spell out procedure for the office of the Clerk of the Assembly, among other amendments, has scaled second reading on the floor of the House.
Though there was intense debate, last Wednesday by members calling for succession procedures, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani deferred debate on the matter till next legislative sitting.
However, before the Speaker’s deferment, Hon. Michael Okechukwu Chinda of Obio/Akpor 11 opined that a succession process for the office of the House Clerk should be spelt out clearly.
Chinda was of the view that any person tipped or appointed to the office of clerk should undergo training before assumption of office.
The Obio/Akpor Constituency 11 legislator further held that such training should be for six months ahead of any likely appointment by the House.
On his part, Hon. Sam Ogeh of Emohua Constituency was of the view that there should not be any discriminatory law to bar any person to be so appointed as clerk of the House.
Aligning himself with Chinda’s view, member representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, Hon. Christian Ahiakwo said a succession plan should be built into the new law for smooth handover, and should include how the office should be occupied.
Chinda has argued that appointing somebody from other area should be a gradual process, such that the person had to undergo some training legislative process.
Consequently, Victoria Nyeche of Port Harcourt 1 held that the office of the clerk should be a career position, in order to check any problem that may arise from appointing somebody outside.