* Gives first reading to LG amendment bill
* Members pass vote of confidence on Amaewhule

The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, at its 85th legislative sitting has elected Major Jack, the member representing Akuku Toru Constituency 1, and former Whip of the House as the Majority Leader of the 10th Assembly.

Also, the House similarly elected Frankline Nwabochi, member, representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, as the new Whip of the House.

The two new principal officers accordingly took their oath of office.

The Martin Amaewhule-led faction sat under tight security, even as court had since restrained this group and the aggrieved party led by Edison Ehie from sitting and maintain status quo pending the dispensation of the case.

Commenting on the election of the officers, the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, congratulated the duo and charged them to be committed to their new responsibilities.

In another development, the Rivers State House of Assembly has given first reading to a bill which seeks to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 and other matters connected thereto.

In the same vein, the House debated on the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, after giving the bill second reading.

Commenting on the bill, the factional Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, harped on the importance of the bill and stated his conviction that when passed, the governor will give his assent to the bill.

The speaker hinted that the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration has withheld the funds meant for the Assembly for the month of November, 2023.

He stated the resolve of the House to perform its constitutional function despite the distractions, and referred the bill to the House Committee on Public Accounts for public hearing and further legislative scrutiny.

Contributing to the motion moved by Enemi George, member, representing Asari Toru II, to commend the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol and other principal officers, members spoke in unison and extolled the sterling leadership qualities of Amaewhule and his team, for upholding the tenets of democracy.

Remarking on the motion, the Speaker, Amaewhule, thanked the 27 members of the House for passing a vote of confidence on him and other principal officers; and reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the House and the state.