The factional Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, has initiated steps to repeal the state’s Commission of Inquiry Law of 1999, citing the need to align it with modern democratic practices. This move comes against the backdrop of mounting political tensions involving the state government and prominent figures like Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike......READ THE FULL STORY>>.....READ THE FULL STORY>>
The 27 lawmakers spearheading this legislative action were formerly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but recently declared their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These lawmakers are widely viewed as loyal to Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, who used the 1999 law during his tenure to investigate his predecessor’s administration through a Judicial Commission of Inquiry.
Their current push to repeal the law is perceived by many as a response to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent decision to invoke the same legislation to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. The commission is tasked with investigating recent acts of arson and the destruction of local government secretariats across the state.
The Amaewhule-led Assembly has already advanced the repeal bill through its second reading. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol and members Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency) and Lolo Opuende (Akuku Toru Constituency II), the bill seeks to render the existing law obsolete.
Leading the debate, Nwankwo argued that the Commission of Inquiry Law of 1999 no longer reflects the realities of contemporary governance and democracy. He stated that its repeal is necessary to modernize the state’s legislative framework.
The move to repeal the law has raised eyebrows, as it coincides with ongoing efforts by the Fubara administration to hold key political figures accountable for recent incidents of violence. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry had summoned Wike and the APC Caretaker Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, to provide testimony regarding the destruction of local government secretariats. However, both individuals have refused to appear before the panel.
Critics argue that the lawmakers’ push to abolish the law is a calculated attempt to shield themselves and their political allies from scrutiny. The timing of the repeal effort, in light of the ongoing investigations, has fueled speculations of a politically motivated agenda.
The Commission of Inquiry Law of 1999 has historically been a contentious tool in Rivers State politics, often used by successive administrations to probe their predecessors. Wike himself relied on the law during his tenure to investigate the activities of his predecessor, and its potential repeal could limit the current administration’s ability to do the same.
As the Amaewhule-led Assembly advances the repeal bill, observers are watching closely to see how this move will impact the state’s political landscape and the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his former ally, Nyesom Wike.
The unfolding events in Rivers State underscore the deepening political divisions within the state’s governance structure. While proponents of the repeal argue for modernization, critics see it as a tactical maneuver to protect vested interests. As the debate continues, the future of the Commission of Inquiry Law remains a pivotal issue in the state’s political and legislative discourse.
