It was an atmosphere of hope and optimism yesterday as lawmakers representing the 32 state constituencies in Rivers State in the State House of Assembly were inaugurated with a charge by the State Governor, Nyesom Wike that they work for the development of the State and the good of their respective constituencies.

The Governor also advised the lawmakers to synergize and collaborate with the executive in ensuring implementation of policies and programmes for the good of the state.

The inauguration took place at the State Assembly Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt where the Clerk of the House, Stanford Obah administered the oath of office on the lawmakers and the first session of the 9^th Assembly of the State was declared open by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said, “As we usher in the new term of this august House, I pray and hope that your deliberations will be constructive, democratic, progressive and people-oriented. I also hope that you will continue to strive hard with total commitment and sense of accountability, and facilitate the implementation of our policies and programmes to enable us set new benchmarks for development and shared prosperity for our people.”

“On this positive note, it is my honour and privilege to officially proclaim the first session of the ninth Legislative Assembly of Rivers State”.

The Governor added, “we will continue to respect and uphold your independence as a separate arm of government as our constitution demands; in the same way that we will provide every support that you need to discharge your constitutional responsibilities to the government and people of Rivers State. Ours should continue to be that of mutual respect, partnership and progress”.

The House constituted a 32 member having the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as majority with 30 members while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) the majority with two member seats.

Shortly after the Governor left the chambers for Government House, the lawmakers settled down to the business of the day by re-electing the member representing Andoni constituency, Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, as Speaker and Ehie Edison, representing Ahoada East constituency 2, as Deputy Speaker, as nominated by Christian Ahiakwo, representing ogba/Egbema/Ndoni constituency 1, and Major Jack. Representing Akuku-Toru constituency 1, respectively.

In his acceptance speech, Ibani thanked his colleagues for the trust and honour bestowed on him and promised to run a participatory administration in the Assembly.

“I wish to assure you that the 9^th Assembly shall adopt participatory approach and collaboration. My administration shall entrench participatory assembly as no one man is entitled to monopoly of knowledge,” he said.