The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday passed three bills into law before immediately proceeding on an indefinite recess.

The bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the passage of the bills during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The Powers and Privileges Bills seeks to grant the state lawmakers the authority, privilege and immunity necessary to carry out their legislative duties.

The RSIEC Bill aims to repeal the RSIEC Bill Law No.

The Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025 seeks to repeal the existing Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024.

The Deputy Leader of House, Mrs Lynda Somiari-Stewart, concluded the debate on the three committee reports before their final passage, having scaled the third reading.

Following the passage of the bills, Amaewhule adjourned plenary indefinitely, effectively preventing Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19, following two previous failed attempts to meet with the lawmakers.

It remains uncertain whether the indefinite plenary adjournment is a deliberate attempt to further delay the budget presentation, despite the directive by the Supreme Court. (NAN)

A group, FixPolitics Africa says it is standing in solidarity with Sen.

The Executive Director of FixPolitics, Dr Anthony Ubani, in a statement ,on Thursday, faulted the senator’s suspension, calling  for her immediate reinstatement by the Senate.

Daily Asset recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is serving a six-month suspension, had accused the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power.

Ubani said: “We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter.

“The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.

“The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”

He urged the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join the group in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.

He added, “The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination.”

According to him, the FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deep-rooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria.

He said that the group remained steadfast in its commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system.

“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.

Ubani described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.

According to him, by imposing the suspension, the Senate has not only silenced Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.

“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.

“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly.

“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“The unconstitutional suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.

“In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). (NAN)

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, called for unity and collaboration among leaders to sustain the gains  of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

Shettima made the call during an Iftar hosted by President Tinubu for Senate leaders at the new State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Shettima emphasised that Nigeria had reached a crucial point where Tinubu’s bold leadership and well-thought-out policies must be properly executed to create lasting change.

He noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of these reforms, such as falling food prices, lower petrol costs, and stability in the forex market.

He also highlighted the economy’s projected growth of 4.

Shettima urged political leaders to collaborate in maintaining this momentum, stating that unity was essential for the nation’s progress.

He expressed gratitude to the Senate for its cooperative relationship with the executive branch and urged lawmakers to see themselves as one family, regardless of political affiliation.

“What unites us supersedes whatever divides us,” he said, assuring of continued collaboration between the two arms of government.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for his support of the 10th Senate and pledged continued cooperation.

He prayed for divine wisdom and good health for both the President and Vice- President, to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event was attended by key senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.(NAN)