The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law and existing court judgments as the state prepares for local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, Oko-Jumbo affirmed the Assembly’s alignment with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration in establishing duly elected local government leadership in the state.
Oko-Jumbo reiterated the necessity for compliance with the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 13, which mandates that all government bodies and officials adhere to constitutional principles. He highlighted a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, affirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils and stipulating that democratically elected councils must always be in place.
Referring to a subsequent ruling by Justice I.P.C. Igwe on September 4, 2024, Oko-Jumbo detailed several mandates for the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). These mandates include ensuring the conduct of local government elections and utilizing the national voter register from the 2023 general elections, as well as securing adequate safety during the electoral process with assistance from various security agencies.
Expressing optimism, Oko-Jumbo noted that the Rivers State Government is committed to following the rule of law and has initiated all necessary processes for the elections. He called on citizens to participate actively in the voting process on October 5, stating, “We urge all residents to come out en masse and exercise their civic duties.”
The House also approved the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which outlines forecasts for economic growth, revenue, expenditure, and fiscal policy objectives over the next three years. In a letter accompanying the MTEF, Governor Fubara requested legislative endorsement, emphasizing the importance of the document in guiding the state’s fiscal responsibilities.
Following a thorough debate, the Assembly adopted the MTEF, which includes projections for recurrent revenues and expenditures without anticipating new loan collections, aside from financing existing loans.
Oko-Jumbo directed the Clerk to communicate the House’s resolution to Governor Fubara before adjourning until October 9, 2024.
