The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate as the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has led the passage of three significant bills without the approval of Governor Sim Fubara.
This unprecedented move comes as tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the state government reach new heights.
In a dramatic session, Amaewhule’s faction of the House bypassed Fubara, passing the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill 2024.
These bills had previously been sent to the governor for assent but were withheld, prompting the Assembly to take decisive action.
During the plenary, Amaewhule expressed his frustration, accusing Governor Fubara of considering himself above both the Nigerian Constitution and the state’s laws. He argued that the governor’s refusal to sign the bills was a direct attempt to stifle the progress of Rivers State.
“Fubara sees himself as above the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Amaewhule declared. “He has ignored his constitutional duties, and we cannot let that hold back the development of our state any longer.”
The Speaker emphasized that the Assembly’s actions were fully in line with Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the legislature to override a governor’s refusal to assent to bills.
The majority of the House stood by this legal provision, claiming their actions were a necessary step to ensure the continued advancement of the state’s interests.
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The decision to move forward without the governor’s approval was confirmed in a statement released by Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu. According to the statement, after Fubara’s failure to assent to the bills, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, re-presented them to the Assembly, where they were vigorously debated and subsequently passed.
Amaewhule was firm in his position, stating that the governor’s “indolence and ineptitude” could not be allowed to hold back the state any longer. He called on the people of Rivers State to understand the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that governance progresses, regardless of any challenges from the executive arm.
In a scathing rebuke of Fubara’s actions, Amaewhule accused the governor of undermining the Constitution, the judiciary, and other established laws in the state.
The escalating feud between the two branches of government has raised concerns about the potential long-term impact on governance in Rivers State, as the rift continues to deepen.
