RIVERS CRISIS GETS WORSE WHEN ASSEMBLY PASSES SERVICE LAW AND RULES AGAINST GOVERNOR FUBARA

The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law was established by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but lawmakers in Rivers State have overruled him.

Following an unexpected meeting of the parliamentarians today, a decision was made.

This is the second occasion that the governor’s approval of a bill has been overridden by the state legislature.

Four bills that Fubara had previously approved and been sent to him for assent had also been rejected by the House earlier in January.

At its 99th legislative session in the Assembly chamber, the House resolved to overrule the Governor’s decision in unanimity.

The media assistant to the Speaker of the State Assembly, Martins Wachukwu, provided journalists with a statement today that included details of the assembly’s spontaneous meeting.

According to the statement, the lawmakers decided after the Governor withheld his assent to the four Bills via letters to the House, which were read on the floor of the House; stating that such amendments would create confusion and breach constitutional provisions.

The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented the Rivers State House of Assembly Fund Management Bill, which was then discussed by the members.

During the debate, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, referred to Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. This section grants the House the authority to surpass the Governor’s refusal to give assent.