Kehinde Fajobi
Tension escalated in Rivers State as the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly overrode Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s veto on three critical bills, setting the stage for a showdown between the legislative and executive arms of government.
The bills—Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill—were transmitted to the Governor over a month ago but met with his refusal to assent.
During the Assembly’s 94th sitting on Thursday, lawmakers, reportedly loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, unanimously voted to override the veto after Majority Leader Major Jack presented the bills for reconsideration.
Speaker Amaewhule invoked Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution, asserting the Assembly’s authority to bypass the Governor’s refusal.
In a scathing address, Amaewhule accused Fubara of incompetence and obstructing the state’s progress.
“The Governor cannot hold this state back. Progress must continue,” he declared, adding that Fubara appeared to consider himself above constitutional and judicial oversight.
With the override in effect, the contentious bills are now law, further straining relations between Fubara and a legislature increasingly aligned with his political rivals.
The development has heightened political tensions, with observers closely watching the unfolding power struggle in Rivers State.