The crisis rocking Rivers State is yet to abet as the State House of Assembly, passed the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into Law by overriding the assent of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Speaker, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule led- House, made the decision at its 159th Legislative sitting held at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt on Monday.
This development was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by the media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, and sent to newsmen.
Recall that on March 13, 2024, the House passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and forwarded it to Governor Siminialayi Fubara for assent, which the Governor declined.
According to the statement, “Determined to perform its Constitutional duties, the Bill was represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack and debated upon by Members.
“Thereafter, in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered, which empowers the House to override the Governor, where he withholds his assent; the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule put the question, and with a two-third majority vote, the House agreed to override the Governor and passed the Bill into Law. “
Similarly, the House screened and confirmed nominees for the position of Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
Those screened and confirmed were Sampson Worlu as Chairman, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs Blessing Belema Derefaka, Gbaranen Robinson and Madam Dorcas Amos as Members.
The statement recalled that on March 22, 2024, the House passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission(Amendment) Bill into law, wherein the House donated back to itself the power to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
“On a sad note, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule announced the demise of Mr. Lucky Amadi, the husband of the honorable Member for Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, and stated that Members would pay a condolence visit to their colleagues.”
The 27 members of the Assembly believed to be loyal to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, have been having a running battle with the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
