Rivers Assembly Speaker resigns, predecessor takes over
*Dec. 10 rerun winners, including APC members sworn-in
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adams Dabotorudima, has resigned his speakership. The resignation which came immediately after passing the 2017 budget into law and administering the oath of office on the winners of the December 10 rerun election, was to make way for his predecessor, Rt.
Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani.
Rt. Hon. Ibani, representing Andoni Constituency in the Assembly, participated in the legislative rerun election after the Appeal Court nullified his 2015 election. He has, therefore, been returned as Speaker.
Delivering his acceptance speech, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi called on all the lawmakers in the state to look beyond party affiliations and cooperate with each other in order to move the state to greater heights.
He thanked God and his constituents for his victory at the polls saying: “First let me thank God for his providence and grace. Without him I wouldn’t have made it here. Today, Adams has shown that as a man who represents his people, Okirika, he can be trusted beyond Okirika and Rivers State.
“For members of the Assembly, having exited this Assembly one year ago you stood by me. As I ascend this throne today, it is not a private estate. My knowledge is limited, whatever you will do to make this institution successful, we are always willing to learn. If in the course of my dealings I have offended you in any way, I seek forgiveness. I will continue to do good to all manner of people. For Rivers State, we will continue to support all arms of government and legislate for the good of all,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi also continued: “To my colleagues who have just been inaugurated with me, we have to join our hands not minding party affiliations because the interest of the state is greater than a political party. It is my hope, with all sense of responsibility that we work in peace and harmony that our constituents, our people can experience peace and development.”
Speaking earlier in his inauguration speech, the out-gone Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adams Dabotorudima, thanked the lawmakers for giving him the leadership role, the confidence they reposed on him, and for supporting him during his tenure.
Those sworn-in included; Hon. Farah Dagogo (PDP) Degema Constituency; Hon. Adonye Diri (PDP) Opobo/Nkoro Constituency; Hon Victoria Nyeche (APC) Port Harcourt Constituency 1; Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani (PDP) Andoni Constituency; Hon Granville Tekenari Wellington (PDP) Asari-Toru Constituency 1; Hon Enemi Alabo-George (PDP) Asari-Toru Constituency II; Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple (PDP) Bonny Constituency.
Others include: Hon. Mathew Dike (APC) Tai Constituency; Hon. Josiah John Olu (APC) Eleme Constituency; Hon. Innocent Barikor (APC) Gokana Constituency; Hon. Friday Nubari Nke-ee (APC) Khana Constituency II; Hon. Azubuike Chikere Wanjoku (APC) representing Ikwerre Constituency.
