The Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, at its 66th legislative sitting, passed two bills into law.
The Assembly, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tonye Harry, passed into law, the Rivers State Public and Political Office holders Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits (Amendment Bill 2007) and the Bill for Sustainable Development Programme in the state.
Presenting the report on the bill for Rivers State Public Officers Allowances and Fringe Benefits (Amendment Bill 2007), the House Committee Chairman on Finance, Hon. Chidi Julius Lloyd (EMOLGA) said the committee invited all stakeholders during the public hearing and made both print and electronic announcement in order to conclude its assignment expeditiously.
After an intensive debate and modification from the lawmakers on the bill, the House passed the bill as recommended by the committee, consequently, the annual basic salary for governor would be N2,223,705.00, deputy governor, N2,112,215.00.
Also commissioners/secretary to the governor (SSG), head of service, (HOS) local government chairmen are to receive N1,337,225.00 while auditor-general and permanent secretary, will take the sum of N1,274,420.00 and N1,247,870.00, respectively as their annual basic salary.
This amendment also affects other political appointees, while the travelling allowances for commissioners were slashed from 0 to 0 per day.
The Assembly members would receive 0 per day, while special advisers and auditor-general would receive 0 per day.
Also, the House passed the bill on the sustainable development of the state as presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Business, Hon. Iboroma Kitchner representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II.
Hon. Kitchner had urged members to pass the bill as it was long awaited, adding that the passage of the bill into law would promote the economic fortunes of the state through counterpart funding by companies and agencies.
The bill was passed into law as twelve members voted for the passage.
Earlier, the Leader of the House, Hon. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja, representing Opobo/Nkoro and sponsor of the bill on Rivers State Public and Political Office holders’ Salaries, Allowances and Fringe Benefits, thanked his colleagues for the support given to the committee that gave rise to the passage of the bill into law.
