Commonwealth Parliamentary Confab Opens In PH, Today

Rivers State will be on the threshold of history, as Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi officially declares open today the 40th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Regional Conference in Port Harcourt the state capital

A statement signed by the Press officer to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Soye Young-Itiye explained that not less than 16 commonwealth members countries and over 600 delegates are expected at the 13 day programme.

He described the conference holding in Port Harcourt for the first time after the inception of the regional body, as an historical milestone.

He stated that the conference has a multiplier benefit; coming against the backdrop of global financial constraints and great development al challenges.

The press officer further explained that the Commonwealth parliamentary Association is a body set-up to promote and advance parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance, was founded in 1911, as the Empire Parliamentary Association and its affairs were administered by the United Kingdom.

According to him, the original members were Australia, Canada, New Foundland, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Reflecting on achievement of the regional body, the press officer stressed that in 1948, the body adopted its present name and changed its rules to enable all member branches to participate in the Association management.

Against the backdrop of democratic culture, he said blowing across the world in the last decade, he said more than 50 new parliaments and legislature joined or rejoined the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The statement commended the Rivers State House of Assembly and the government of the state for turning the wheel of history as the conference is hosted for the first time in Nigeria.

The state Governor, Rt Hon Chibiuke Amaechi according to the statement should be commended for graciously accepting to host the conference during his tenure as Speaker.

The statement therefore solicited the cooperation of the good people of the state to exhibit their hospitality to the delegates during the duration of the conference.