In a bold move, the Pro Nyesom Wike’s 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 three 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.
Speaking at the 94th Legislative Sitting on Thursday, the Speaker, Amaewhule, disclosed that the House relied on Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to override the Governor’s assent.
He explained that the section empowers the House to enact laws without the Governor’s assent if he withholds it.
The Speaker emphasized that Governor Fubara’s inability to assent to the bills would not hinder the state’s progress.
“The State must move forward,” he stressed. “We cannot allow the Governor’s indolence and ineptitude to hold us back.”
Amaewhule also criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly seeing himself as above the Constitution, the Judiciary, and other extant laws of the state.
However, he assured that the House would continue to uphold the Constitution and democratic principles.
He added that with the override, the three bills are now laws in Rivers State, marking a significant victory for the legislative arm of government.
NewsNGR reports that this development is the latest in a series of tensions between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara.
Recall that the Assembly had previously overridden the Governor’s assent on four other bills in 2024.