Amidst escalating tensions, the Rivers State Assembly overrides Governor Fubara's decisions for the third time, sparking a political standoff. Accusations of administrative lawlessness and concerns over governance crisis intensify.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has once again overridden the assent of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, marking the third instance in as many months. This latest standoff stems from the passage of the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law by the assembly, despite the governor's refusal to give his assent.
The assembly's decision to pass the bill into law was met with strong condemnation from Governor Fubara, who has consistently opposed legislative measures that he perceives as encroaching on his executive authority. Speaking on behalf of the assembly, Speaker Martin Amaewhule defended the move, citing the need to safeguard taxpayers' money and prevent its misuse through dubious contracts and frivolous expenditures.
Amaewhule expressed concern over what he described as a "dictatorial panache" in the governance of the state, where due process is often ignored and contracts are awarded without proper legal backing. Despite facing pushback from the governor's office, the assembly remained steadfast in upholding the rule of law and the constitutional provisions governing its mandate.
In a separate development, the House Committee on Local Government, led by Hon. Ignatius Onwuka, presented a preliminary report on the plight of staff members at Emohua Local Government Council. The report highlighted the distressing situation faced by employees who have gone unpaid for two months due to the directive of an alleged impostor acting as the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.
The assembly condemned what it termed as "administrative lawlessness" perpetuated by individuals masquerading as officials of the local government commission, allegedly with the tacit support of Governor Fubara. Determined to address the issue, the assembly resolved to summon the Commission's Secretary and, if necessary, issue a warrant of arrest for non-compliance.
The ongoing power struggle between the executive and legislative branches underscores the deep-seated tensions within Rivers State politics, with both sides unwilling to back down in their pursuit of authority and control. As the standoff intensifies, the future governance of the state hangs in the balance, with implications for democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.
