The Rivers State House of Assembly has received a petition seeking the repeal of the law establishing the Rivers State Sports Institute in Isaka, Okrika Local Government Area, and the restoration of the defunct Government Sea School.
The petition, submitted by the Sea School Isaka Alumni Foundation, was presented during Monday’s plenary by the Deputy Majority Leader and member representing Okrika Constituency, Linda Somiari-Stewart.
The petition urged the Assembly to repeal the Rivers State Sports Institute Law (Cap. 123, Vol. 6, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria) and enact fresh legislation to re-establish the Government Sea School, which previously occupied the site before it was converted into a sports institute.
It also called on the lawmakers to advise the executive arm of government to rehabilitate and equip the proposed sea school with modern facilities to position it as a centre of excellence for manpower development in the state’s emerging blue economy.
According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the petition argues that reviving the institution would help produce the skilled workforce required to drive maritime and marine-related sectors in Rivers State.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, referred the petition to the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions for legislative consideration, in line with the Assembly’s Standing Orders.
The committee is expected to examine the requests contained in the petition and make appropriate recommendations to the House.
