RVHA Commits Two Bills To Committee Stage

Following what the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Otelemaba Amachree, described as robust debate, the bill seeking to repeal and reenact the Board of Internal Revenue Law and the State Waste Management Bill have been committed to the committee stages of the House for further legislative input.

The lawmakers in supporting the proposed re-enactment of the Board of Internal Revenue Law, noted that the move would enhance the functionality of the Board in the discharge of its duties.

In his contribution, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and member representing Eleme Constituency in the State House of Assembly Hon. Josiah John Olu, said the bill seeks to establish autonomy for the Board.

Hon Olu noted that reform proposed in the bill will help to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)for the state, especially with the decreasing federal allocation to the state.

He disclosed that attractive salary structure for the staff would check incidents of manipulation and leakages in the system while state and local government revenue procedure would be harmonised.

The draft also provides for measures to be adopted to undertake audit of the activities of the board, emphasising that the law when passed will strengthen the board of internal revenue to generate funds for the development of the state.

Hon Augustine Ngo (Abua/Odual) and Hon Victor Amadi (Etche I) faulted clause on qualification of those to be appointed for not being specific, but remarked the move would block loopholes in the system.

Hon Azubuike Wanjoku (Ikwerre) and Hon Victoria Nyeche (Port Harcourt I) said the state can boast of credible people to occupy the positions, adding that the exercise will bring about effective operation in the board.

All the speakers on the Waste Management Bill lauded the intent of the proposal, saying it would stop the present arrangment where heaps of refuse are found on the streets.

They, however, cautioned on some of the clauses which were said to be ambiguous, particularly the generation of the law throughout the state instead of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local governments alone for a start.

The lawmakers also disagreed with some of the fines stipulated for offenders, such as N100,000 for urinating in public, N500,000 for dumping anything, adding that government  must first provide public conveniences before the law could be effective. 

The Speaker, Hon Amachree referred the board of Internal revenue bill to the House Committee on Finance, while the waste management went to the environment committee for necessary action, stating that fear raised by members would be addressed at the public hearing.