The tension in Rivers State shows no signs of abating as the State House of Assembly moves to quell the ongoing crisis by passing the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into Law, overriding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s assent.
Led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, the House made this decision during its 159th Legislative sitting at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, the development emphasises the commitment of the Assembly to fulfilling its constitutional duties despite the governor’s initial refusal to assent to the bill. The House had initially passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill on March 13, 2024, and forwarded it to Governor Siminialayi Fubara, who declined assent.
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However, Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack represented the Bill, which the house members deliberated upon in line with Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. The above stated Section of the Constitution empowers the House to override the governor’s veto.
Speaker Amaewhule then put the question, and with a two-thirds majority vote, the House agreed to override the governor and passed the Bill into Law.
Additionally, the House conducted the screening and confirmation of nominees for the position of Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission. Sampson Worlu was confirmed as Chairman, alongside Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs. Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson, and Madam Dorcas Amos as Members.
This move is in line with the previous decision of the House on March 22, 2024, when it passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into Law. Thus, enabling the House regained the power to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
In a somber moment, Speaker Rt. Hon. Amaewhule announced the passing of Mr. Lucky Amadi, the husband of Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, the honorable Member for Obio/Akpor Constituency II. He stated that Members would pay a condolence visit to their Colleague. He reflected the House’s solidarity and support during difficult times.