The Rivers State House of Assembly is set to amend the State Sustainable Development Act 2007 to ensure its full implementation.
The bill which passed the first reading at the floor of the House yesterday, is seeking for the amendment of section s of the principal laws by substituting five per cent instead of 20 per cent immediately after the word “than”.
Sponsoring the bill, Hon Kichner Iboroma (Akuku-Toru II) noted that the principal law mandated the state government to contribute 20 per cent of its earning to the agency, adding that the proposed contribution will give rise to full implementation of the bill.
The lawmaker opined that when the new bill comes into effect, the law should be changed and addressed as the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency Amendment Law No 1 of 2008.
He urged the lawmakers to give urgent attention to the amendment in order to fast track the enormous economic potential of the state.
Seconding the proposed amendment bill, Hon Ogbonda Jones (PHALGA I) thanked the sponsor, noting that the amendment was timely, and requested that enough time be given to members to enable them peruse the principal Act for effective contributions and deliberations.
However, in his contribution, Hon Prince Uchechukwu Nnam-Obi (ONELGA I) observed that the mover of the bill did not give enough background as to why the bill should be amended, noting that the bill was just assented to on May 28, 2007 by the former Governor, Dr Peter Odili.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Tonye Harry thanked members for their contributions, and referred the bill to the Rules and Business Committee of the House.
The Speaker assured the people of the state that 2008 would witness a vibrant legislative year that will impact positively on the lives of the people.
“It is going to be a good legislative year”, he said, and assured that, “the Assembly will carry out our over sight functions” .
