Rivers State Assembly Pro-Wike Lawmakers Triumphantly Override Governor Fubara’s Veto on Three Key Bills

The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has exercised its constitutional authority to override the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara on three critical bills. These include the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.

The bills, which had been transmitted to the governor a month ago for his approval, were debated again during the Assembly’s session on Thursday. According to Speaker Amaewhule, Section 100(5) of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the House to override a governor’s decision when assent is withheld. The lawmakers, predominantly loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, unanimously voted to proceed with enacting the bills into law without the governor’s approval.

Speaker Amaewhule Criticizes Governor Fubara’s Leadership

Speaker Martin Amaewhule minced no words while addressing the Assembly on the override decision. He accused Governor Fubara of inefficiency and a lack of commitment to the state’s progress, emphasizing that Rivers State could not afford stagnation under his leadership.

A statement from Martins Wachukwu, media aide to the Speaker, detailed the Assembly’s resolution, asserting that the laws are now effective under the provisions of the Constitution. The Speaker described Governor Fubara as someone attempting to position himself above constitutional authority, the judiciary, and state laws. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding democratic values and constitutional integrity.

Governor Fubara’s Camp Dismisses Lawmakers’ Action

Reacting swiftly to the override, Jerry Omatsogunwa, the Special Assistant to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media, dismissed the lawmakers’ actions as inconsequential. He described the Assembly members as a “committee of friends” whose decisions lack credibility and impact.

Omatsogunwa questioned the practical implementation of the overridden bills, pointing out that without the governor’s support, enforcement would be problematic. Comparing the situation to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the electoral bill, he argued that the Assembly should revisit and amend their proposals rather than force them into law.

A Brewing Political Crisis in Rivers State

The standoff between the pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Fubara reflects growing political tensions within Rivers State. While the Assembly accuses the governor of negligence, the governor’s camp views the lawmakers as operating with ulterior motives that undermine the interests of the state.

This latest development signals a widening rift between two factions within the Rivers State political landscape. As accusations and counter-accusations continue, the implications for governance and the people of Rivers State remain uncertain. Observers are calling for dialogue to address the issues dividing the state’s leadership, ensuring that legislative and executive arms collaborate effectively for the state’s development.

Call for Political Civility and Leadership Intervention

The escalating political tension in Rivers State highlights the urgent need for civility and decorum among the state’s political leaders. Analysts and stakeholders have called on influential figures to mediate the dispute and restore normalcy to the state’s governance. The prolonged rift between pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Fubara’s camp risks stalling development initiatives and eroding public confidence in the state’s leadership.

As Rivers State grapples with this political impasse, stakeholders emphasize the importance of prioritizing governance over personal or factional interests. The ability of the state’s leaders to navigate this crisis with diplomacy and a focus on collective progress will determine the future trajectory of Rivers’ development and stability.