By Kolawole Ojebisi
The crisis in Rivers State took a twist on Thursday as the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the State House of Assembly overrode the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara on three bills earlier passed and transmitted to him for approval.
The bills, which were presented to the Governor a month ago, include the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.
However, lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT),Nyesom Wike, at their 94th legislative sitting on Thursday, made the decision to override the Governor’s assent after he withheld approval.
Commenting on the three bills, which were 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.
He stated that this provision empowers the House to override the Governor if he withholds assent.
When the Speaker put the question to a vote, members unanimously voted in favour of overriding the Governor’s veto.
Speaking on the decision of the House, Amaewhule criticised Fubara, accusing him of indolence and ineptitude.
He stressed that the Governor could not hold the state back, insisting that progress must be made.
A statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu confirmed the unanimous vote to override the Governor’s assent.
Further criticising the Governor, Amaewhule described Fubara as someone who sees himself as being above the Constitution, the judiciary, and other extant state laws.
The Speaker reiterated that the House would continue to uphold the Constitution and democratic principles, adding that, by virtue of Section 100(5) of the Constitution, the three laws are now in effect in Rivers State.
