Rivers Assembly Prohibits HLGA’s Management of Local Government Council
The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a decisive step to address the current financial situation in the state by giving Governor Siminialayi Fubara an ultimatum of 48 hours to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House.
Constitutional Requirement
The directive is in line with the 1999 Constitution as amended, which requires the Governor to present the budget to the House for approval. The House has emphasized the need for the Governor to act quickly to address the financial quagmire resulting from the absence of an Appropriation Law for the state.
Prohibition of HLGAs Management of Local Government Councils
The House also resolved to notify Governor Fubara that Heads of Local Government Administration or any other persons are barred and prohibited from administering Local Government Councils, except democratically elected officials. This decision is based on the provisions of the State Local Government (Amendment) Law, the 1999 Constitution, and the judgement of the Supreme Court.
Call for Amendment of State Laws
Additionally, the House called on Governor Fubara to amend the State Local Government Law and the State Independent Electoral Commission Law to bring them in conformity with the Electoral Act. This is necessary to create a flawless process for the commencement of plans for fresh Local Government Elections in the state.
Rationale Behind the Resolutions
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, explained that the essence of the House resolutions is to provide a quick fix to the current financial quagmire resulting from the absence of an Appropriation Law for the state. The House is set to embark on a 12-week recess and has urged Governor Fubara to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
Urgent Call to Action
Speaking empathetically, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule said, “We do not want Rivers people to suffer, so we urge Governor Fubara to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State.” The House has demonstrated its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people of Rivers State, and it remains to be seen how Governor Fubara will respond to the ultimatum.
