The Rivers State House of Assembly took a decisive step against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by enacting the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law. This decision was reached during an impromptu sitting convened by the House.

Notably, this is the second time that the state lawmakers have overridden Governor Fubara’s assent on bills. In January, the House ruled against the Governor’s assent to four Bills that had been previously passed and sent to him for approval.

During the 99th legislative sitting at the Assembly quarters, the lawmakers made the decision to override the Governor’s assent. A statement issued by Martins Wachukwu, media aide to the Speaker of the State Assembly, was sent to the press, confirming the development.

According to the statement, the lawmakers reached this decision after the Governor withheld his assent to the four Bills through letters addressed to the House. The Governor expressed concerns that these amendments could lead to confusion and violate constitutional provisions.

During the session, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, cited Section 100(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which grants the House the authority to override the Governor’s assent when it is withheld. Following the Speaker’s remarks, the Rivers State House of Assembly Fund Management Bill, the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Law (Amendment) Bill, and the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-owned Property Prohibition (Repeal) Bill were all reconsidered, debated, and voted upon. The unanimous decision was to override the Governor’s assent.

This development reflects the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, as the State Assembly takes a firm stance against Governor Fubara’s decisions and asserts its legislative authority.