Riding on the crest of Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, and in furtherance of legislative positivism in the interest of the people, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Thursday, at its 94th Legislative Sitting, has again over overridden the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara on three Bills, which were earlier passed and transmitted to Governor Fubara for assent over a month ago. The House took the decision to override the Governor after he withheld his assent to the Bills.
Commenting on the three Bills – the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024 which were represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, and debated by Members, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, cited Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as the enabling provision which empowers the House to override the Governor, where he withholds his assent; and when the Speaker put the question, Members unanimously voted in the affirmative.
Speaking on the decision of the House, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule emphasized that the Governor Fubara cannot hold back the State as a result of his indolence and ineptitude; stressing that the State must move forward.
Speaking further, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule described Governor Fubara as one who sees himself as above the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Judiciary and other extant laws of the State. But maintained that the House would continue to hold on to the Constitution and democratic ethos; enthusing that by virtue of Section 100 (5) of the Constitution, these laws are now in force in Rivers State.
Signed
Martins Wachukwu
Special Assistant On Media To The Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly
Thursday, 9 January, 2025.
