Rivers Crisis: Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly Moves to Repeal Commission of Inquiry Law 1999

According to Daily Post, in an effort to update the state’s judicial inquiry procedure, the Rivers State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has initiated action to repeal the 1999 Commission of Inquiry Law.

Following the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to look into the damage of local government secretariats during post-election violence, the decision was made.

Nyesom Wike and Tony Okocha were among the prominent individuals the Commission had invited, but they chose not to come.

The Assembly has responded by introducing a bill to repeal the antiquated, colonial-era law. The purpose of the proposed law is to create a more modern and efficient framework for the state’s judicial investigations.

Dumle Maol, the deputy speaker, underlined the necessity of reform, saying that the current legislation is out of step with modern democratic realities.

Lawmakers emphasised the significance of maintaining appropriate checks and balances between the Governor, the Assembly, and any commissions constituted during the bill’s second reading.

The House Judiciary Committee has been tasked with reviewing and examining the bill further. If approved, the proposed law will give Rivers State’s judicial investigations a more contemporary and efficient framework, encouraging openness, responsibility, and sound governance.