Politics
Speaker Harps On Effective Legislation
The first reading of three private member bills aimed at curbing the menace of kidnapping, rape and female circumcision is still resonating on the floor of the House.
Two of the bills emanated from the desk of the Majority Leader, Hon. Martin Amaewhule. They include the Rivers State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill 2019 and the Rivers State Female Circumcision Abolition Amendment Bill 2019.
The bill on female circumcision is aimed at amending an existing legislation of Female Circumcision Abolition law number two of 2001.
According to Hon. Amaewhule, the dehumanization of any person by means of any weapon, substance or object commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of 5 years or a fine of N500,000.
Rapists, cultists and kidnappers are now put under serious penalty, as the bill provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.
Based on this, any form of coercion, or act detriment of another person’s physical or psychological well being is liable to three years imprisonment.
Any act that willfully places a person in fear leading to physical injury is liable to two years imprisonment, or a fine of N200, 000.
While the three bills are being given serious attention by the Assembly, last week the House set up committees for the different oversight functions.
Though the committees are yet to be appointed a select standing committee headed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani has commenced deliberations.
The nine-member committee is expected to pick law makers and saddle them with areas of oversight for the full take off of the Assembly.
The select committee include, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Edison Ehie, Majority Leader, Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Leader, Bariene Deayah, Chief Whip, Evans Bipi, Deputy Whip, Major Jack.
Other members of the select committee are member representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni 1 Christian Ahiakwo, Matthew Dike for Tai State Constituency, Azeru Opara of Port Harcourt Constituency III.
Speaker of the House tasked the committee to ensure that they carry out their duties without fear or favour, reminding them that the various House committees are the bedrock of an effective legislature and responsive governance.
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.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.