Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has initiated the process to repeal the 1999 Commission of Inquiry Law (Cap 30) of the Old Rivers State, sparking political and legal debates across the state. This move comes as part of efforts to modernize governance structures in light of current democratic realities.

The lawmakers introduced the Commission of Inquiry Bill 2024 on November 22, citing the need to replace outdated legislation inherited from the old Eastern Nigeria. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Lolo Opuende, and Sylvanus Nwankwo, has already passed its first and second readings. Speaking on the proposed law, Nwankwo emphasized that updating obsolete laws aligns with the principles of democracy and separation of powers.

Push for Legislative Reforms Amid Probes
The repeal effort coincides with the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry by the Rivers State government to investigate the destruction of local government secretariats during post-election violence. Prominent figures such as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Chairman, Tony Okocha, were summoned by the commission but declined to appear.

According to Speaker Amaewhule, the new bill seeks to ensure accountability and collaboration between the Governor, the Assembly, and commissions established under state law. “By virtue of Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution, the Assembly has investigative powers. However, these powers, when delegated, must be exercised within the framework provided by the legislature,” Amaewhule stated through his media aide, Martins Wachukwu.

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Ijaw Leader Challenges Lawmakers’ Authority
Ijaw leader and elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark has criticized the actions of the 27 lawmakers, arguing that they lack the legal standing to institute proceedings against the Commission of Inquiry. Clark highlighted their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, which he claims invalidates their authority to represent the Assembly.

“By confirming their defection to the APC, these lawmakers have effectively forfeited their seats as of December 11, 2023, making their actions in court null and void,” Clark remarked. He further accused Wike and Amaewhule of exacerbating the political crisis in Rivers State, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

Legislative Process Underway
The Commission of Inquiry Bill 2024 has been referred to the House Committee on Judiciary for further legislative scrutiny. In the meantime, the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, led by Enemi George, presented an interim report on the October 7 disturbances at local government secretariats. The committee was granted additional time to conclude its findings.

As the political tension escalates, Rivers State finds itself at a critical juncture, balancing legislative reforms with the ongoing fallout from recent political and electoral events. The outcome of these efforts could reshape the state’s political landscape in the months ahead.