•••As Bill Seeking to Amend Rivers State Public Works and Utilities Protection Law Passes First Reading
The Rivers State House of Assembly at its 42nd Legislative Sitting on Monday, 28th August, 2023 has given Second Reading to the Rivers State Administration of Estate (Small Estate Payments Exemption) Bill, 2023.
The Bill, sponsored by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie seeks to exempt the executor of the estate of a deceased person with two million Naira and below in the bank account from paying ten percent to the Probate Registry.
Dabating the Bill, Rt.Hon. Edison stated that the Bill has a human face and will protect the privacy of individuals. He added that the Bill will also aid in the administration of justice, as there are many matters brought to court.
He harped on the fact that the Bill emphasizes the mantra, “Let the poor breathe”.
Commenting on the Bill, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, described the Bill as apt, noting that such exemption will provide succour to all, more particularly, bereaved members of deceased small estate owners.
The Bill elicited robost debate from honourable Members, and was thereafter committed to the Committee of the Whole for further scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Public Works and Utilities Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been given First Reading by the House, after the Bill, which was sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo representing Bonny Constituency was presented by Hon. Oko Jumbo.
The amendment Bill promises to provide additional safeguards and measures to protect public utilities and infrastructure in the State when passed into Law.
