The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, has successfully passed the Rivers State Local Government Bill into law, defying Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s veto.
Originally passed on March 13, 2024, the bill was sent to Governor Fubara for approval but was rejected.
The bill was reintroduced by Major Jack, the leader of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, representing the Akuku/Toru constituency 1.
According to a statement released to the press, the bill underwent thorough debate by the members of the assembly.
This action reflects a pattern of legislative behavior where the assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has previously bypassed the governor’s authority.
Earlier on January 26, 2024, the assembly overrode Governor Fubara’s assent on four bills. These bills included the Rivers State House of Assembly Fund Management Bill, 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.
The decision to override the governor’s veto was unanimous among the members present during the 99th legislative sitting. The assembly’s actions were based on Section 100 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, which empowers the House to override the governor where he withholds his assent.
The Local Government Amendment Bill, in particular, was seen as a move to curtail the governor’s powers in suspending local government council chairmen and appointing caretaker committees. The amendment aimed to prevent the creation of a situation that would make holding elections in the state impracticable.
In addition to passing the Local Government Bill, the Amaewhule-led lawmakers also conducted screening and confirmed nominees for the chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission.
The confirmed nominees include Sampson Worlu as chairman, Abinye Blessing Pepple, Blessing Belema Derefaka, Gbaranen Robinson, and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
The Amaewhule-led Assembly is actively pushing for Governor Fubara to conduct local government elections before the end of his tenure.
As of the time of filling this report, Governor Fubara had not made any official statement regarding the local government elections.
