Activities in Government House, last week, began with official proclamation of the 9th Assembly last Monday by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The Governor, who relied on Section 105 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, said,   ” Now therefore, I, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, ( CON, GSSRS, POS Africa) Governor of Rivers State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred upon me by Section 105 of the Constitution and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim the 8th Assembly of the 4th Republic of the Rivers State House of Assembly dissolved, while the first session of the 9th Assembly shall hold on this day, 3rd day of June 2019 at the Assembly Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
He urged members of the House to be constructive, democratic, progressive and people-oriented in their deliberations, as the House is being ushered in for a new term.
The Governor assured the state lawmakers that his administration will continue to promote the independence of the legislature.
He noted that since the inception of his administration, Rivers State House of Assembly has been known for its high sense of decorum in the conduct of its proceedings and expressed hope that the House would continue with such tradition.
Governor Wike felicitated with Muslim community in the state on the celebration of Id-el-Fitr.
In a Sallah message released on Monday, the Governor urged the Muslim, community to pray for the unity and peace of the nation and to also rededicate themselves to the ideals, peace, security and friendship.
Wike further urged Nigerians to promote religious tolerance, and stressed that such virtue would enhance peace and national development.
He commended Muslims in the state for their consistent support for his administration.
Another major event, last week in Brick House, was the Special State Luncheon organised for members of the Rivers State 2nd Term Inauguration Committee at Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Governor assured that he would always  involve those who worked hard for the success of his administration, especially those who served in the Second Term Inauguration Committee.
He commended the committee members for delivering what he described as world class transition from first to second term for his administration.
The governor said that it was in appreciation of the wonderful work by the committee that he and the deputy governor decided to organise the luncheon for members.
Chairman of the committee and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Austin Opara commended the Governor for the opportunity to serve the state.
Last Monday, Governor Wike inaugurated a Technical Committee for the implementation of the recommendation of the Rivers State report on soot.
Wike, while inaugurating the committee directed the Head of Service to also invite the Nigeria Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Police to participate in the implementation committee.
He restated the commitment of his administration towards addressing the environmental and health issues raised by the presence of soot.
He emphasised that the soot crisis is worse than insecurity because of the long term health challenges they pose to the people.
The committee is made up of environmental experts, scientists, environmental lawyers, doctors, civil society, oil majors and security services.
Chairman of the Technical Committee , Prof Roseline Konya, assured the Governor that the committee will work hard to resolve the soot crisis.
The United Kingdom Department for International Development Team in the Niger Delta paid a courtesy visit to Gov Wike, last Friday in Government House.
Conflict Adviser of the team, Charlotte Neil, disclosed that the British Government is interested in knowing the critical areas of need in Rivers state for partnership.
Governor Wike, while responding, solicited for support in the training of the State Neighborhood Safety personnel, agriculture, vocational training , sanitation, as well as training of both Basic and Senior secondary teachers.

Chris Oluoh