The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected Governor Siminalayi Fubara‘s proposal to implement the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law.
The decision to block the proposal was made during an emergency session held on Friday, March 22.
Previously, in February, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed a Bill to repeal the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Law No. 3 of 2006, and to make further amendments to the Principal Law of 1999 and related matters.
Prior to passing the Bill, the House debated the advantages and disadvantages of the Bill. Subsequently, following the House rules, they reviewed the Bill clause by clause in the Committee of the Whole.
Members praised the Speaker and sponsors of the Bill, calling it a staff-focused and staff-friendly initiative.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule explained that the Bill aims to provide Assembly staff with opportunities for career growth similar to those in the other branches of government.
The Speaker clarified that the authority to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission, which was granted to the Assembly by the 1999 Principal Law, was later transferred to the Executive through the 2006 amendment. This is why the 2006 Amendment Law is being repealed.
The Speaker emphasized that once the Bill is approved, it will strengthen the autonomy of the Legislature.
