Despite the disapproval of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, the State Assembly passed the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law on Monday.
The decision was reached by the House, led by its Speaker, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, at its 159th Legislative sitting, which was held at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt.
According to a statement released after today’s sitting by the media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, the bill was passed by the House in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The bill was passed on March 13 and forwarded on the same day to Fubara for assent, which he declined.
The statement held that according to the law, the House has the power to override the Governor, where he withholds his assent.
Amaewhule further noted in the statement that the bill was passed based on the votes of a two-thirds majority of the House who agreed to override Fubara.
News About Nigeria reported that the Rivers Assembly and the state Governor have been at loggerheads following Fubara’s refusal to re-present the state’s 2024 appropriation bill, which he submitted to only four members of the Assembly loyal to him during the crisis that broke out in the state last year.
Also, during today’s plenary, the House screened and confirmed nominees for the position of Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
The Assembly screened and confirmed Sampson Worlu as Chairman, while Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson, Madam Dorcas Amos, and Mrs Blessing Belema Derefaka are members.
