The Rivers State House of Assembly, in an impromptu sitting, rejected Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s proposal to enact the Rivers State H ouse of Assembly, RSHA, Service Commission Law. This marks the second occasion where the assembly has disregarded Fubara’s approval bills. In January, the House dismissed Fubara’s assent to four bills previously passed and forwarded to him for approval. The decision to override the Governor’s assent was made during the 99th legislative sitting at the Assembly quarters, as communicated in a statement by Martins Wachukwu, media aide to the Speaker of the State Assembly.
The lawmakers reached a decision following the Governor’s withholding of assent to four bills, as communicated via letters read on the House floor. They argued that the proposed amendments could lead to confusion and violate constitutional provisions, Speaker Martin Amaewhule referenced Section 100(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the House has authority to override the Governor’s veto in such cases.
Similarly, the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) bill, the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Law (Amendment ) Bill, and the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-owned Property Prohibition (Repeal) Bill were reintroduced, deliberated upon, and unanimously voted on for overriding the Governor’s assent.