Again, Rivers State Assembly Overrides Governor Fubara’s Assent, Implements Service Law

The stand-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly looks far from being over as the Rivers State House of Assembly, in an impromptu session, again, overrode the assent of the governor to enact the Rivers State House of Assembly, RSHA, Service Commission Law.

This would mark the second time the state lawmakers would countermand Fubara’s approval on legislative matters.

Back in January, the lawmakers, during the 99th legislative session at the Assembly premises, decided to oppose Fubara’s decision not to approve the four bills earlier passed by the assembly for assent.

Martins Wachukwu, media aide to the Speaker of the State Assembly, relayed this decision in a statement to the press.

According to the statement, lawmakers made their decision after the Governor declined to endorse the four bills, expressing concerns that the proposed amendments might lead to confusion and violate constitutional provisions.

Discussing the Rivers State House of Assembly Fund Management Bill, reintroduced by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and debated by members, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule referenced Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which grants the House authority to override the Governor’s decision if he withholds his assent.

The decision to override the governor on both accounts came amid a lingering rift between the governor and his predecessor,  Nyesom Wike, as well as some of the lawmakers, following Fubara’s alleged decision not to sign an 8-pointer directive, which yielding autonomy to the state’s House of Assembly was notable.

Read: CPJ Urges Nigerian Army to Account for First News Editor Segun Olatunji’s Disappearance

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