Senators on Rivers State Politics
The Senators resolutions on the Rivers State Assembly crisis followed a personal explanation through a point of order raised by Senator Magnus Abe on the situation. He said unless the Senate takes decisive action, the unfortunate development in Rivers State is capable of undermining democratic institution in the State and breaking down law and order as according to the police seems to be incapable of handling the situation.
Senate President David Mark described the situation as irresponsible, embarrassing and cannot be tolerated by the National Assembly.
In a five point resolution read by Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, the lawmakers appealed to all the factional elements in the political crisis to sheath their swords and maintain law and order pending the outcome of its investigation into the matter.
However, tempers have arisen and division had to be made before the resolution urging the IGP to take immediate steps towards addressing the issue of broken relationships between Governor Rotimi Amacechi and the Rivers Commissioner of Police was adopted. Several attempts by the Senate President to use popular voice vote on the resolution ended in a deadlock.
Meanwhile, President Jonathan’s requests for the confirmation of his nominees for key Government appointments were referred to relevant committees for further action while continuation of the Constitution Amendment debate was deferred till Thursday.
And away from plenary, Senate President David Mark launched two publications on Senate Resolutions as well as status of bills, motions, petitions and confirmation of appointment by the Senate in ?? and sessions of the 7th Assembly. They were published by the Senate Committee on rules and business headed by Senator Ita Enang.
With the two publications, the Senate believes that the Parliament can be taken to the people of Nigeria in a scholarly yet pragmatic way as part of efforts to promote participatory Democracy in the country.
