Politics
Bill To Classify Chiefs In Rivers Passes Ist Reading
A bill seeking to classify
chiefs and recognition of chieftaincy stools, has passed through the first reading on the floor of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Presenting the bill last Monday, Hon Nname Robinson Ewor, representing Ahoada East Local Government Area, said the bill has ten parts with 40 sections.
Hon Ewor who is also the House Deputy Leader, noted that the bill deals with the classification of chiefs and recognitions of chieftaincy stools, power to recognise chiefs, chiefs to bear traditional title of his stool and condition for recognition.
Explaining the purpose of the bill, Hon Ewor said, chiefs in Rivers State shall be classified into first, second and third class chiefs, stressing that the governor shall recognise only occupants of the chieftaincy stools recognised by government as shown in the first schedule of the bill.
According to him, the chieftaincy title named in column (2) of the first schedule to this bill shall enjoy the classification set out, opposite it in column (3) as the recognised chieftaincy stool in the town or community named in the column (1) of the said schedule.
“Where the Governor is satisfied that there is an error in the first schedule to this bill or that it is right and proper to amend or modify any or all the provisions thereof, he may by order published in the gazette, ratify that error or as the case may be amend or modify such provisions, and such amendments or modification may be by way of addition, alternation or omission ’’, he said.
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
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
-
Niger Delta5 days agoPDP Declares Edo Airline’s Plan As Misplaced Priority
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
Students Protest Non-indigene Appointment As Rector in C’River
-
Nation5 days ago
Maternal Mortality: RSG Identifies 6 High Risk Local Government Areas
-
Niger Delta5 days agoOkpebholo Assures Corps Members Of Improved Welfare
-
News3 hours agoRivers Targets Economic Growth, Jobs Through Investor-Friendly Policies
-
News2 hours agoGovs Move To Prioritise Sugar For Industrial Growth
-
News2 hours agoLand ownership disputes are civil matters, not police cases – FCID
-
News3 hours agoUrban Nigerians enjoy 40% faster internet than rural users — NCC