……..they are mere committee of friends, says Fubara
By Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel
The Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has once again overridden Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s refusal to assent to three bills. The bills in question—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the governor a month ago but had their assent withheld.
During a sitting on Thursday, the lawmakers which the governor has refused to recognize, took the decision to override Fubara’s veto. The bills were debated and represented by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, who outlined their significance to the state. Speaker Amaewhule, citing Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, asserted that the House was constitutionally empowered to override the governor’s refusal.
Following a vote, members in a unanimous vote agreed to proceed with the override. Speaker Amaewhule, in his remarks, expressed that Governor Fubara’s reluctance to act could not be allowed to hinder progress in the state. He criticized the governor’s inaction, accusing him of ineptitude and indifference to the state’s advancement.
The factional speaker speaking through Martins Wachukwu, the media aide to the pro-Wike, emphasized that the governor could not disregard constitutional and legal processes. He described Fubara as someone who considered himself above the Constitution, the judiciary, and state laws. The Speaker affirmed that the House would continue to uphold the Constitution and democratic principles, with the three bills now becoming law in Rivers State.
However, the Governor’s office quickly responded. Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Assistant to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media, dismissed the override as ineffective, referring to the lawmakers as a “committee of friends.” Omatsogwa accused the assembly members of acting against the interests of the state and questioned the implementation of the override, suggesting that the lawmakers had no real power to enforce their decision.
He also pointed to the National Assembly’s response to President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejections of the electoral bill, stating that they had followed proper procedures. Omatsogwa criticized the lawmakers for being out of touch with the people of Rivers State, saying their actions were more akin to children “shaking a coconut tree,” but ultimately harming themselves.
The escalating tensions between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Fubara reflect deeper political divisions in the state, with both sides showing little sign of reconciliation.
