The three bills submitted by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to the Rivers State House of Assembly last week for consideration have scaled their first hurdle as they passed first reading without hitches.
The bills are Rivers State Road Maintenance Agency 2008, the Rivers State Due Process and Public Procurement bill 2008 as well as the Rivers State Compulsory Savings bill 2008.
Presenting the bills yesterday, the House Leader, Hon Chioma Golden Ngozi (Etche II) outlined the importance of the bills to the development of the state, noting that the bills, when passed into law, would impact positively on the lives of the people.
Hon Chioma opined that the road maintenance bill, which consists of 13 parts and 52 sections, when passed into law, would regulate the process of repairs, maintenance, reconstruction and management of roads in the state.
He also maintained that the problems and challenges of poor road network and hardship faced by the people of the state was as a result of the inadequate maintenance of roads which would be addressed when the law becomes operational.
On the Rivers State Due Process and Public Procurement bill and the Rivers State Compulsory Savings bill 2008, the House leader said the bills promote transparency, honesty and due process in governance as well as institute a culture of savings on the part of the state government.
He prayed the lawmakers to give the bills urgent attention towards fast tracking economic development of the state.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Tonye Harry, who presided over the session, spoke of the benefits of the bills, and directed the Rules and Business Committee to schedule the bill for proper debate.
He assured on timely passage of the bills into law by the state legislature.
