In a dramatic turn of events, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has overridden Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s veto on three significant bills. The bills in question—Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were passed by the Assembly and transmitted to the Governor over a month ago for approval.
During the 94th legislative sitting on Thursday, lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, invoked Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution to override the Governor’s decision. The move followed a heated debate led by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and culminated in a unanimous vote to enact the bills without the Governor’s assent.
Speaker Amaewhule strongly criticised Governor Fubara, accusing him of ineffectiveness and a lack of commitment to governance. He stated, “The Governor cannot hold the state back. Progress must be made, and this House will uphold the Constitution and ensure the state moves forward.”
In a statement issued by Amaewhule’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the Speaker accused Fubara of acting as though he were above the Constitution, judiciary, and state laws. The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to constitutional democracy and declared that the three bills were now law by virtue of the legislative override.
This development is the latest in the political standoff between pro-Wike lawmakers and Governor Fubara, highlighting deepening divisions within the Rivers State political landscape. The override signals the Assembly’s intention to assert its authority and press forward with legislative initiatives, despite the Governor’s opposition.
