22 out of the 31 lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly have signed an undertaking to conduct themselves in an “orderly manner” when the Assembly complex is reopened for resumption of sitting.
This is sequel to a directive by the state police commissioner, Joseph Mbu instructing the lawmakers to report to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to sign an undertaking to be of good conduct.
The Rivers Assembly complex was sealed off by the police last July following an outbreak of violence as a result of the purported impeachment of the Speaker, Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree by five lawmakers.
Therefore, it was no surprise when Mr. Amachree led his colleagues, including his deputy, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, to voluntarily sign the undertaking because according to him, the state needs to move forward in the interest of the people.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the police command headquarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Mr. Amachree said the screening process by the police involved all lawmakers, including nine lawmakers that were absent during the exercise.
“You can see we are only 22 lawmakers present. We came to the state CID to honour the invitation of the police to sign an undertaking before sitting at the Assembly, which we have just done.
“We were given a form to fill by the police to be of good conduct and behaviour. We have assured the police that we are going to ensure peace and order during our deliberations.
“I am sure the police are satisfied with our response. The remaining nine lawmakers will also come and sign the undertaking”, he said.
Mr. Amachree, who dismissed the claim by the member representing Ogu/Bolo State Constituency, Evans Bipi, that he is the authentic ‘speaker’, called on those behind such propaganda to forget their differences and support his leadership of the State House of Assembly in the interest of the people.
“There are no two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State, but only one led by me. As you can see, we are only 22 lawmakers present here.
“We hope that the remaining nine lawmakers will come and join us to move the state forward in the interest of our people,” the Speaker said.
