The Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with Governor Siminialayi Fubara, reconvened for its legislative session on Friday amidst ongoing legal challenges. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, leading the assembly, announced their appeal against a recent Court of Appeal decision overturning a State High Court ruling that validated their roles as Speaker and lawmakers.
According to report from vanguard, the Court of Appeal, responding to suit CA/PH/198/2024 filed by Amaewhule and others, declared the earlier High Court order invalid, which had prohibited them from holding office. In response, Jumbo confirmed their move to contest this decision at the Supreme Court, arguing against the Appeal Court's assertion that Justice Charles Wali lacked jurisdiction over the state legislature's affairs.
Despite these legal battles, the assembly proceeded with its legislative agenda on Friday. Deputy Speaker Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha and House Leader Hon. Sokari Goodboy introduced two bills. Goodboy presented the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency Bill, 2024, while Orubienimigha sponsored the Rivers State Transport Company Reform Bill, 2024.
During the session, the assembly deliberated on both bills, initiating debates and passing them through the first reading. The legislative activities underscored the assembly's commitment to addressing key issues such as emergency management and transport reforms, amidst the backdrop of legal uncertainties surrounding their leadership roles.
Overall, despite the legal setbacks and ongoing disputes, the Rivers State House of Assembly under Governor Fubara's influence demonstrated its resolve to continue governing and legislating for the state's interests, maintaining focus on crucial legislative initiatives amid the unfolding legal challenges.