Rivers Assembly Overrides Fubara To Pass Four New Bills Into Law

Rivers Assembly Overrides Fubara To Pass Four New Bills Into Law

In a bold display of legislative autonomy, the Rivers State House of Assembly has taken decisive action by overriding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision, successfully passing four new bills into law during the recent plenary session at the House of Assembly Quarters…..CONTINUE READING

The development unfolded after the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the receipt of four letters from Governor Fubara, communicating his refusal to give assent to the bills previously sent to him.

Undeterred by the governor’s stance, the House invoked Section 100 subsection 5 of the constitution, asserting that the governor’s assent is not obligatory under specific circumstances.

The section explicitly states that “where the Governor withholds assent and the bill is again passed by two-thirds majority, the bill shall become a law, and the assent of the Governor shall not be required.”

Addressing the House, Speaker Amaewhule expressed concerns about the governor’s reluctance to conduct local government elections in the state. He remarked, “By the reasons given by the Governor, it means he doesn’t plan to conduct local government elections in the state.”

He further emphasized the significance of the laws passed, particularly the removal of the governor’s authority to appoint Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the Local Governments.

The Governor is not happy that we’re removing his powers to appoint caretaker chairmen,” added the Speaker.

The four laws passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly are:

1. The Rivers Local Government Amendment Law
2. The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Amendment Law
3. The Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-Owned Property Prohibition repeal law.
4. The Rivers State Funds Management and Financial Autonomy Law.

This legislative move signifies the Assembly’s commitment to asserting its constitutional powers and addressing critical issues such as local government administration, traditional rulership, advertisement regulations, and financial autonomy within the state. The passage of these laws showcases the Assembly’s determination to enact positive changes and uphold democratic principles in Rivers State.