In a dramatic development on Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, once again exercised its constitutional power to override the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara on three key bills. The bills in question include the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.
The bills had been passed by the House and presented to Governor Fubara a month ago for his assent. However, the governor withheld his approval, prompting the legislature to override his decision. This move was backed by members loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who have had ongoing tensions with Fubara’s administration.
Citing Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Speaker Amaewhule explained that the Constitution allows the House to override the governor’s refusal to assent to bills. Following a debate led by Majority Leader Major Jack, the Speaker called for a vote, and the lawmakers unanimously supported the override.
Amaewhule emphasized that the state cannot be held back by what he described as the governor’s “indolence and ineptitude,” asserting that Rivers State must continue to progress. The Speaker further criticized Governor Fubara, accusing him of seeing himself as above the Constitution, the judiciary, and other relevant laws.
The media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, issued a statement confirming the decision, noting that these laws were now in force in Rivers State by virtue of the override. Amaewhule reiterated the commitment of the House to uphold the Constitution and the principles of democracy.
In response, Governor Fubara’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, dismissed the action of the lawmakers, calling them a “committee of friends.” He questioned the practical impact of the override, wondering who would implement the laws in the absence of the governor’s assent. Omatsogunwa also accused the lawmakers of working against the state’s interests and undermining the people of Rivers State. He further compared the lawmakers’ actions to “little children shaking the coconut tree,” implying that their efforts would ultimately backfire.
This move marks the latest chapter in the ongoing political rivalry between the governor and the assembly, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions. It remains to be seen how this standoff will play out, particularly regarding the implementation of the bills in question.
