House Of Reps Takes Over Rivers Assembly

Following the violence that occurred at the Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday, the House of Representatives has taken over the functions of the Rivers Assembly.

The federal lawmakers took the decision on Wednesday following debates and approval of a motion and based on section 11, sub section 4 of the 1999 Constitution.
The section states that “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.”
Crisis had engulfed the Rivers House of Assembly on Tuesday when five members out of 32 attempted to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Amachree.
The confusion that followed led to violence among the state lawmakers with videos of the violence circulated on social media.
Wednesday’s sitting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha