In a bold move, the Pro-Nyesom Wike faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has overridden Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s assent on three crucial bills, marking a significant assertion of legislative authority in the state.
The bills in question are: The Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill; The Rivers Electricity Market Bill; and The Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.
During the 94th Legislative Sitting on Thursday, Speaker Amaewhule revealed that the House relied on Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to proceed with the override.
He explained that this provision grants the House the power to enact laws without the Governor’s assent when it is withheld.
The Speaker emphasised that Governor Fubara’s failure to assent to the bills would not impede the progress of the state.
“The State must move forward,” he asserted. “We cannot allow the Governor’s indolence and ineptitude to hold us back.”
Amaewhule also chastised Governor Fubara for allegedly considering himself above the Constitution, the Judiciary, and other existing laws of the state.
However, he assured that the House would continue to uphold the Constitution and democratic principles.
With the override, he affirmed, the three bills are now laws in Rivers State, representing a significant victory for the legislative branch of government.
The Whistler reports that this development is the latest in a series of tensions between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara.
It is worth noting that the Assembly had previously overridden the Governor’s assent on four other bills in 2024.