House Of Reps Take Over Functions Of Rivers House Of Assembly, Calls For Redeployment Of State Police Commissioner

Following the violence that marred Tuesday’s session of the Rivers State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives on Wednesday, at a sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, took over the functions of the Rivers Assembly.

The decision by the federal lawmakers to take over the functions of the Rivers Assembly, followed debates and approval of a motion and based on section 11, sub section 4 of the 1999 Constitution which states:
“At any time when any House of Assembly of a state is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in the state, The National Assembly may make such Laws for the peace, order and good government of that state with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the state.”
The House of Representatives also passed a motion directing the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to redeploy the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu for ‘dereliction of duties.’

It would be recalled that the Rivers Assembly engaged in a show of shame on Tuesday when five out of 32 members attempted to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree.
The ensuing confusion led to an open display of aggression among the state lawmakers as they engaged in a fight which led to computers being damaged and the House leader, Lloyd Chidi, receiving treatment at the Government House clinic for injuries sustained.