The Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule has again overridden the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara on three bills earlier passed and transmitted for assent over a month ago.
The House, at its 94th Legislative Sitting on Thursday, took the decision to override the Governor’s assent after he withheld it.
The three bills are the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.
Commenting on the three Bills, which were represented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and debated by Members, the Speaker, Amaewhule, cited Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as the enabling provision that empowers the House to override the Governor where he withholds his assent.
The lawmakers unanimously voted in the affirmative to override the Governor’s assent.
Speaking on the decision of the House, the Speaker, Amaewhule, emphasized that Governor Fubara cannot hold back the state as a result of his indolence and ineptitude, stressing that the state must move forward.
Amaewhule described Fubara as one who sees himself above the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the judiciary, and other extant laws of the state.
However, he maintained that the House would continue to hold on to the Constitution and democratic ethos.