The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of its Speaker, Victor Oko Jumbo, has said that the upcoming local government elections scheduled for Saturday will be conducted in strict compliance with existing judicial rulings that promote the rule of law and the electoral process. I asked.
Addressing the plenary session on Wednesday, Mr. Oko-Jumbo emphasized that the Assembly is in line with the position of the Executive Branch of Government and Governor Siminalai Hubala.
He stressed the importance of ensuring a proper constitution of duly elected political leaders at the local government level in Rivers State.
Parliament also approved the medium-term expenditure framework for 2025/2027 presented by Governor Nunohara, further demonstrating commitment to effective governance and planning.
Mr. Oko-Jumbo noted that Nigeria operates according to the guidelines of the 1999 Constitution, citing in particular Article 13, stating that all government agencies, officials and individuals must abide by the principles enshrined in the Constitution. It mandates that it must be carried out.
The Chairperson said: “On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court, in case number SC/CV/343/2024, delivered a landmark judgment confirming the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.
“In its decision, the Supreme Court mandated that democratically elected municipal councils must always be in place, and required all 36 states to comply.”
He also referred to the judgment in Suit No. PHC/2696/CS/2024 rendered by Justice IPC Igwe on September 4, 2024, in which he declared:
“1) Ensuring that the Rivers State Government and the Rivers State Executive, which has a constitutional duty as enshrined in Article 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution and in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of July 11, 2024, To make appropriate provisions for the conduct of elections to local government councils in Rivers State.
“2) Require the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to make available under its control the National Register of Voters for the 2023 General Elections compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC);
“3) Encourage the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to provide adequate security and ensure the maintenance of peace, law and order during and after the October 5 elections. Mandate, 2024.
Mr. Oko-Jumbo, however, expressed delight that the Rivers State Government, which is deeply rooted in adhering to the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution, had initiated all mandatory processes towards holding local government elections as scheduled. pointed out. October 5, 2024.
“In view of the above, as a champion of the rule of law, the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly fully abides by the rule of law and both the judgment of the Supreme Court and the latest order by Justice Igwe, IPC.” On September 4, 2024 Judgment at the Rivers State High Court.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly further orders the Rivers State Government and the Governor to conduct local government council elections on October 5, 2024 in accordance with the rule of law and the judgment of the court.”
He therefore called on all residents and citizens of the state to come together en masse on October 5, 2024, perform their civic duty and vote for the candidate of their choice.
The House also received, discussed and approved the 2025/2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) sent by Fuwon as a working document.
The MTEF document, sent with Governor Tomihara’s letter, outlines the executive branch’s three-year projections for economic growth, revenue, expenditure, fiscal policy objectives, resource allocation, and risk and uncertainty management. was.
In his letter, Mr. Oko Jumbo said he requested Mr. Hubara to kindly consider the details of the MTEF and give it legislative approval.
“Request for consideration and approval of medium-term spending framework for 2025-2027,” the letter read.
“I am pleased to submit the 2025-2027 medium-term expenditure for consideration and approval by the Rivers State House of Assembly under the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Act, No. 8 of 2010.
“This document includes the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Budget Policy Statement of the Rivers State Government for the period 2025-2027.
“Customarily, the Rivers State Government Budget for 2025 is based on forecasts of the economic outlook and the direction of the state’s fiscal policy as detailed in the country’s oil production rate and price benchmarks, exchange rates, and medium-term expenditure framework. It is based on an assumption.I am attaching it here.
After intense debate and careful consideration of the embedded details, projected current revenues, current expenditures, capital receipts, and reserves, the House of Representatives decided that no new loan collections other than financing existing loans have been specified. adopted this proposal.
Mr. Oko-Jumbo directed the Secretary to convey the resolution of the House to Governor Tomihara before the adjournment of the House by October 9, 2024.
