The Rivers State House of Assembly has passed three significant bills aimed at strengthening governance and aligning state laws with national legislative frameworks. The bills were approved on Friday during the Assembly’s 136th Legislative Sitting and will be transmitted to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for assent.
The bills passed include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025, which grants the legislature enhanced powers, privileges, and immunity to carry out its duties effectively. Also passed was the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025, designed to repeal the existing 2018 electoral law and re-enact a new one in line with the Electoral Act of 2022 and the 1999 Constitution.
Additionally, the lawmakers passed the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025, which repeals previous local government laws and introduces a new framework to improve governance at the grassroots level.
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Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, emphasized the importance of these legislative reforms, stating that the Assembly’s role in domesticating the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017 will further empower lawmakers in the performance of their duties. He also highlighted the significance of the RSIEC Bill in ensuring state electoral laws align with national regulations, while the new Local Government Law will introduce constitutional provisions that enhance local governance.
Following deliberations, members of the House unanimously voted in favor of each bill. Commending the lawmakers for their dedication, Speaker Amaewhule praised their willingness to forgo recess for the benefit of the state, assuring them that history would remember their commitment to legislative excellence.
With the passage of these bills, the Assembly adjourned sine die, marking a crucial legislative milestone for Rivers State.
