A group of Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers aligned with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have commenced a five-day legislative training programme in the United Kingdom.
The initiative, which began on Friday, is part of efforts to deepen their understanding of governance and legislative practices, with a particular focus on “Legislative Dynamics in Presidential and Parliamentary Systems.”
The training, which kicked off in Central London, involves a series of lectures, interactive workshops, and study sessions designed to enhance the lawmakers’ proficiency in lawmaking and policy analysis. It is expected to better equip them for more effective governance and legislative impact upon their return to Nigeria.
On the second day of the programme, the delegation, led by Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, took part in an agricultural tour across parts of England. The excursion aimed to expose the legislators to cutting-edge farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices that could be adapted to improve food production in Rivers State.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, who represents Onelga Constituency II, expressed optimism about the knowledge gained from observing modern agricultural systems abroad.
“In the course of today’s agricultural tour, we witnessed innovative practices in animal husbandry, precision farming, and agro-processing,” she said. “Such experiences provide us with valuable insights that can inform legislation on food security, rural development, and environmental sustainability back home.”
According to Ezekwe, the speaker emphasized the importance of translating global best practices into local policy frameworks. “The speaker made it clear that bridging the gap between traditional and modern farming methods is key to revitalizing Rivers State’s agricultural sector. Exposure to advanced techniques allows us to draft better policies, create incentives for innovation, and support our farmers with more efficient systems,” she added.
The UK trip, however, comes at a politically sensitive time. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently suspended the affected lawmakers and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore peace and ensure good governance amidst ongoing political unrest in the state.
Despite the controversy surrounding their status, the lawmakers insist the training is a proactive step toward strengthening legislative capacity and contributing more meaningfully to the state’s development.
