Power play in Rivers as pro-Wike lawmakers defy Gov Fubara, enforce new laws

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has overridden Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s refusal to assent to three critical bills presented a month ago.

The affected bills are the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024.

During Thursday’s plenary, the lawmakers, loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, invoked Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the legislature to override the governor’s veto.

The motion to override was moved by Majority Leader Major Jack and unanimously approved by members after robust debate.

Speaker Amaewhule criticized Governor Fubara, accusing him of hindering progress through “indolence and ineptitude.”

He emphasized that the House would uphold constitutional provisions to ensure the state’s development, asserting that the laws are now in force despite the governor’s dissent.

In response, Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Assistant to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media, dismissed the Assembly’s actions as ineffective, labelling the legislators a “committee of friends.”

Omatsogunwa questioned the practicality of implementing the laws without the governor’s cooperation and accused the Assembly of working against the interests of Rivers residents.

He likened the lawmakers’ actions to “children shaking a coconut tree,” stating that they are only hurting themselves and alienating the public.

He urged the Assembly to act in the state’s best interests rather than pursue politically motivated agendas.