On Friday, 4th April 2025, the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, officially declar...
The opening ceremony, which marked the first day of the 5-day tour, took place in Central London and focused on "Legislative Dynamics in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems." The Rt. Hon. Speaker stated that the legislative tour would provide the House with the opportunity to learn new things outside of Nigeria, which in turn would improve the legislative capacity of the members for the tasks ahead.
Principal Officers and members of the House who spoke at the opening ceremony expressed optimism that the tour would offer a chance for peer review and gainful insights for parliamentary oversight.
Hon. Barr. Lolo Isaiah Opuende, a lawyer, legal scholar, and the Legislator representing Akuku-Toru Constituency II, while speaking to Intact Newspaper, indicated that this great opportunity to tour will have several positive impacts and benefits for the state assembly and the people of Rivers State. He said the legislative tour to the United Kingdom is a strategic investment in the development and strengthening of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The potential benefits, which will be properly harnessed, will contribute to improved legislators' performance, enhanced public engagement, and ultimately, better governance and service delivery for the good people of Rivers State.
This legislative tour is the third capacity-building programme organised by the leadership of the House without funding from the government. These programmes, including the present tour, are 100% sponsored by concerned leaders of the state who have remained supportive of the House despite the prolonged, provocative, and unconstitutional non-funding of the House by the suspended Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
During the opening ceremony, the House took the opportunity to express immense gratitude to the political leader of Rivers State, His Excellency, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON. GSSRS. Life Bencher, and other political leaders under the umbrella of the Rivers State Elders Council, who have continued to stand by them. The 10th Assembly members also prayed for God's abundant blessings upon their lives and endeavours.
In his closing remarks, the Speaker extended the appreciation of the House to the people of Rivers State for their confidence in the House and their continued support. He assured them that better days are ahead and urged them to remain peaceful and supportive of the Administrator in Rivers State.
The day's events concluded with a banquet.
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