Speaker Martin Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly overrode Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s decision to not sign three important laws that were introduced a month ago. The Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill are the laws that are impacted.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, the MPs used Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the legislature the authority to overturn the governor’s veto, during Thursday’s session. Majority Leader Major Jack made the motion to override, and following a heated discussion, all members unanimously approved it.
Governor Fubara came under fire from Speaker Amaewhule, who said that his “indolence and ineptitude” were impeding development. “The laws are now in force despite the governor’s dissent,” he said, stressing that the House would enforce constitutional principles to safeguard the state’s development.
Jerry Omatsogunwa, Governor Fubara’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, responded by calling the lawmakers a “committee of friends” and dismissing the Assembly’s efforts as ineffectual. Omatsogunwa charged the Assembly with acting against the interests of Rivers citizens and questioned the viability of enforcing the legislation without the governor’s consent.
The MPs are just harming themselves and alienating the public, he said, comparing their conduct to “children shaking a coconut tree.” Instead of pursuing politically motivated objectives, he asked the Assembly to act in the best interests of the state.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
