Pro-Wike lawmakers strip Fubara’s power to appoint LG caretakers

The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, passed the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law, overriding the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

The house had on March 13, 2024, passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and forwarded it to Governor Fubara for assent, but he declined it.

However, the Bill was represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack, and debated by members on Monday.

Thus the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, put the matter into voting.

And with a two-third majority votes, the House agreed to override the governor and passed the Bill into Law.

Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers the House to override the governor, where he withholds his assent.

Also, House screened and confirmed nominees for the position of Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.

Those screened and confirmed were Barr. Sampson Worlu as Chairman, Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
On March 22, 2024, the House passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into law, wherein the House gave itself the power to appoint the chairman and members of the Assembly Service Commission.

The 27 members of the assembly loyal to Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have been having a running battle with the governor over his strain relationship with the minister.

The assembly had threatened to commence impeachment process against the governor last month.