The ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State took a new turn as the State House of Assembly exercised its constitutional power to pass the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law, effectively bypassing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s assent.
The decision, led by Speaker Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule, occurred during the 159th Legislative sitting at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt on Monday, as communicated by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu.
The legislative body had initially passed the bill on March 13, 2024, and submitted it to Governor Fubara, who withheld his approval.
“Determined to perform its Constitutional duties, the Bill was represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack and debated upon by Members.
“Thereafter, the House in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered, which empowers the House to override the Governor, where he withholds his assent; the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule put the question, and with a two-third majority votes the House agreed to override the Governor and passed the Bill into Law. “
In parallel proceedings, the Assembly also confirmed appointments for the Assembly Service Commission, including Sampson Worlu as Chairman and Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs. Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson, and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
This follows the Assembly’s recent move to reclaim the appointment power for the Commission’s positions.
The session was also marked by a somber moment as Speaker Amaewhule announced the passing of Mr. Lucky Amadi, spouse of Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, with plans for a condolence visit.
The Assembly’s actions reflect the ongoing conflict involving 27 members reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Woke, and Governor Fubara.
