Our Mission
To be the leading legislative institution in Nigeria, dedicated to making laws that promote good governance, socio-economic development, and the overall well-being of Rivers State citizens through transparent, accountable, and inclusive legislative processes.
Our Vision
A State House of Assembly committed to excellence in legislative representation, championing the interests of Rivers people, ensuring judicious use of state resources, and setting the standard for legislative innovation and effectiveness across Nigeria.
Our Core Values
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in all our legislative activities and public service
Good Governance
We promote policies and laws that ensure effective, efficient, and ethical governance
Integrity
We uphold honesty, ethics, and moral principles in all our dealings
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, answering to our constituents
Transparency
We conduct our affairs openly and make information accessible to the public
Accessibility
We remain open and available to serve the people of Rivers State
Responsiveness
We listen to and act on the concerns and needs of our constituents
Fairness & Justice
We ensure equitable treatment and representation for all citizens
The House Explained
The Rivers State House of Assembly is the legislative arm of the Rivers State Government, established in 1979 as one of the State Houses of Assembly under Section 90 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The Assembly is endowed with powers to legislate for the state and has the privileges and immunities necessary to exercise these powers without hindrance.
The Assembly is situated at the House of Assembly Complex on Moscow Road, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Since its inception in 1979, the Rivers State House of Assembly has gone through multiple legislative sessions, each contributing to the democratic development and governance of the state.
The current 10th Assembly was inaugurated on June 5, 2023, under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS as the Speaker. This Assembly comprises 32 elected members representing the 32 state constituencies across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Composition and Structure
The Rivers State House of Assembly consists of 32 members, with each member elected to represent one of the 32 state constituencies. These constituencies are distributed across all Local Government Areas in Rivers State, ensuring comprehensive representation of the diverse communities within the state.
Each member of the Assembly serves a term of four years and can seek re-election for subsequent terms. The members are elected through democratic elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) every four years, typically alongside gubernatorial elections.
Legislative Authority
As established by the Constitution of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly has the power to:
- Make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of Rivers State
- Debate and pass the annual state budget
- Screen and confirm appointments made by the Governor
- Conduct investigations and public hearings on matters of public interest
- Oversee the activities of ministries, departments, and agencies
- Receive and consider petitions from citizens
- Impeach the Governor or Deputy Governor under specified constitutional conditions
Committee System
The Assembly operates through a robust committee system, with various Standing Committees responsible for different sectors and subject matters. These committees examine bills, conduct oversight, and engage with stakeholders to ensure thorough legislative scrutiny and public participation.
Public Engagement
The Rivers State House of Assembly is committed to inclusive governance and actively engages with citizens through public hearings, constituency visits, town hall meetings, and various feedback mechanisms. We believe that effective legislation requires continuous dialogue with the people we serve.
Key Facts
Established
1979
Number of Members
32
Constituencies
32
Current Assembly
10th Assembly
Inauguration Date
June 5, 2023
Location
Moscow Road, Port Harcourt