Martins Amaewhule Faction Of Rivers State Assembly Moves to Repeal 1999 Commission of Inquiry Law Amidst State Crisis

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The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has initiated a legislative move to repeal the Commission of Inquiry Law, 1999. This law, originally part of the old Rivers State legal framework, is being reconsidered in light of the ongoing political unrest and the need for a more modernized legal system.

The push for the repeal comes just weeks after the state government established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. This commission was tasked with investigating the widespread violence and destruction of local government secretariats during the riots following the recent local government elections. High-profile figures, such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, and Chief Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, were summoned to testify but declined to attend.

On November 22, 2024, the legislative body introduced the Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024, marking the beginning of the process to repeal the outdated 1999 law. This bill, presented by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, Lolo Opuende (representing Akuku Toru Constituency II), and Sylvanus Nwankwo (representing Omuma Constituency), aims to create a new framework that reflects contemporary governance and legal standards.

In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Maol emphasized the colonial origins of the Commission of Inquiry Law, tracing its roots to the former Eastern Nigeria. He noted that the primary goal of the bill was to repeal the existing law and reintroduce a modernized version tailored to the needs of Rivers State.

Following the bill’s introduction, the assembly proceeded to a second reading. Sylvanus Nwankwo, leading the debate, highlighted the necessity for such reform, pointing out that the current law was obsolete and failed to accommodate the state's evolving democratic environment. Lawmakers voiced their unanimous support for the bill, recognizing its potential to strengthen democratic governance in Rivers and reinforce the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and independent commissions.

Speaker Amaewhule also stressed the importance of ensuring that any powers granted through the establishment of commissions were used judiciously, with adequate oversight by the Assembly. The bill is intended to set up a framework that facilitates greater collaboration between the Governor, the Assembly, and any commissions created, thus preventing abuse of power.

In accordance with the legislative process, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Judiciary for a thorough review. The committee will conduct further scrutiny to ensure the bill aligns with current legal principles and governance practices.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, chaired by Enemi George, provided an interim report on the disturbances that occurred in the state on October 7, 2024. The committee is still in the process of investigating these incidents, particularly the attacks on several local government secretariats, and has requested additional time to complete its findings.

As the legislative process moves forward, the new bill promises to reshape how commissions of inquiry are handled in Rivers State, ensuring a legal structure that is both modern and accountable, addressing the state's current political realities.

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