RVHA TO PROBE N1.6BN ALLOCATION TO RSIEC

RVHA TO PROBE N1.6BN ALLOCATION TO RSIEC

The Rivers State House of Assembly has constituted two ad-hoc committees to investigate the alleged misappropriation of N1.6 billion released to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSEIC) by the past administration.

The House took the position yesterday, following a motion brought before it by Hon. Ewor Robinson (Ahoada East Constituency) tagged, “Lets Prepare for Local Government Election”. The lawmaker said the motion became necessary following series of petitions from staff of RSIEC as well as members of the public on the alleged embezzlement of the said N1.6 billion released by the immediate past administration for the conduct of local government elections.

He alleged that the petitioners claimed that the defunct RSIEC led by Dr. David Ogbonna carted away the money and even converted vehicles released to the commission to their private use. He also alleged that the contracts were awarded by RSIEC without observance of due process.

The lawmakers, therefore, prayed the house to, among other things, immediately arrest the chairman and members of the commission as well as constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter.

He also prayed the House to investigate any other matter that may be of interest to the state. The motion was supported by Hon. Ogiri Totenaan (Abua/Odual), who urged the state Assembly to give the motion the support and attention it deserved for the benefit of the state.

In their various contributions, Hon. Chidi Llyod (Emouha), Hon. Pepple Aye (Bonny) while supporting the motion, averred that as state lawmakers, they have the constitutional mandate to investigate any government expenditure, and commended the sponsor of the motion for bringing the motion, which they said, was of public interest.

However, in their views Hon. Tamunosisi Gogo Jaja (Opobo/Nkoro), Prince Nnamdi-Obi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni 1), Hon. Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt), Hon. Eke Samuel (Etche Constituency 1) urged the House to throw out the motion as it was not timely and lacked merit.

The lawmakers, citing the House Standing Rule 22, Sub Section 1to 5, which states that, a motion based on public petition must be accompanied with the petitioners’ names and signatures and be presented before the House, said that the motion lacked such features.

They also urged that the title does not tally with the body of the motion; hence it lacked correlation, and should be discontinued.

However, in his ruling, the Speaker, Hon. Tonye Harry, who presided, said he had already constituted an internal committee to handle the matter and report to the house within one week. He then announced the composition of the members, which has Hon. Nwile Befil Charles as Chariman, Ngozi Golden Chioma, Ogiri Totenaan, West Ibinabo Michael, Chidi Lloyd, Ewor Robinson and Badom Bariyima as members.

In related development, the Rivers State House of Assembly has constituted a three-man committee to investigate the controversy surrounding the Malaysia foreign scholarship award scheme implemented by the Dr. Peter Odili administration.

The three-man ad-hoc committee was divided into the three senatorial districts of the state. (The members are, Hon. Chidi Llyod (Rivers South-East, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor (Rivers East), and Hon Amachree Otelemabo (Rivers South –West).

The constitution of the ad-hoc committee followed a motion brought at the floor of the house by Hon. Chidi Lloyd. Hon Llyod drew the attention of the lawmakers to the plight of the Rivers State students in Malaysia, adding that he has been inundated with complaints from the student’s families over their travails in Malaysia.

He regretted that most of the students were sent to unaccredited institutions and colleges, adding that the students were being intimidated and harassed by the Malaysian Students. He said he had promised them that the House would find a lasting solution to the problem, and urged them to ensure that a thorough finding was conducted, while announcing that the three members would leave for Malaysia tomorrow.