Factional Rivers Assembly Overrides Gov. Fubara 3 Bills
Barikui Felix – Port Harcourt
On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, overrode Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s assent to pass three bills it initiated into law.
The assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, said its action was backed by Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and in the interest of the people of the state.
The three Bills are the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.
The Assembly said the bills were transmitted to the governor over a month ago.
Commenting on the three bills represented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and debated by members, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, cited Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as the enabling provision that empowers the House to override the Governor, where he withholds his assent; when the Speaker asked the question, Members unanimously voted in the affirmative.
Speaking on the House’s decision, Amaewhule emphasized that Governor Fubara cannot hold back the state because of his indolence and ineptitude, stressing that the state must move forward.
Amaewhule further described Governor Fubara as one who sees himself as above the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Judiciary, and other extant laws of the state. He maintained that the House would continue to hold on to the constitution and democratic ethos, adding that by virtue of Section 100 (5) of the Constitution, these laws are now in force in Rivers State.
