By Precious Amadi
The Rivers State House of Assembly has received a petition from the Old Students Association of Government Sea School, Isaka, alongside concerned community stakeholders, demanding the repeal of the law that converted the maritime institution into a sports institute.
Presenting the petition during plenary, the lawmaker representing Okrika Constituency, Hon. Linda Stewart, advocated for the revival of the school’s original mandate to boost Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“Bringing back the Sea School, Isaka, will not only position Rivers State as a maritime hub, but will also provide the needed manpower in the marine sector and serve as a training ground for young people who desire careers in maritime,” Stewart stated.
Established by the military administration of King Alfred Diete-Spiff, the institution in Okrika Local Government Area was converted into the Rivers State Sports Institute on May 31, 1988, under the administration of then-Military Governor, Colonel Anthony Ukpo (Rtd.), shifting its focus from marine engineering and seamanship to sports development.
Receiving the petition, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, referred the matter to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions for legislative action.
“The petition is hereby committed to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions for thorough investigation and appropriate recommendations to this House,” Amaewhule directed.
Heirs Energies Appears Over Anti-Labour Allegations
In another development, representatives of Heirs Energies Limited appeared before the Assembly following a previous summons over alleged anti-labour practices. The appearance followed a threat by the House to issue a warrant of arrest against the firm’s executive management for failing to honor earlier invitations.
Although the Chief Executive Officer was absent, the House was informed that he had submitted a formal letter explaining his inability to attend the session in person.
Following a motion moved by Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Linda Stewart, the Assembly resolved to refer the matter back to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions to continue its probe.
Speaker Amaewhule noted, “The House has resolved to refer the matter back to the committee in view of the renewed commitment by the company to ensure that all outstanding issues relating to the petition are resolved.”
Assembly Tasks Executive on Rumuwokeada Road
Also, during plenary, the House Committee on Works, chaired by Hon. Emilia Lucky-Amadi, presented its report on the severe flooding and deteriorating condition of the Rumuwokeada Community Link Road.
Lucky-Amadi urged the House to intervene by calling on the Executive arm of government to undertake immediate rehabilitation work to relieve the hardship faced by motorists and residents.
The Assembly adopted the committee’s findings and formally called on the Executive to take urgent remedial steps.
The plenary was subsequently adjourned to Thursday, July 23, at 10:00 a.m.
