Rivers Assembly vs Governor: Local Government Showdown

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has been in a significant political battle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara over the governance of local governments in the state. This conflict reached a climax when the Assembly passed the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law, overriding Governor Fubara’s veto. This legislative move is part of a series of events that have unfolded in the state, reflecting deep political disagreements and power struggles.

The Assembly’s decision to override Governor Fubara’s veto on the Local Government Bill occurred during its 159th Legislative Sitting. This bill, now a law, aims to significantly impact the governance of local governments in Rivers State. The Assembly’s decision to assert its authority in passing this bill into law highlights the ongoing tension between the legislative and executive branches in the state.

This political standoff is not an isolated incident. The Assembly has previously passed other bills into law, such as the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, which reclaimed the Assembly’s power to appoint the Commission’s Chairman and members. These legislative actions signify a broader power struggle between the Assembly, which seems to be asserting its independence and authority, and Governor Fubara, who has faced opposition from within his own party.

The political tension in Rivers State has been exacerbated by Governor Fubara’s refusal to conduct local government elections. This refusal, coupled with the Assembly’s legislative actions, suggests a deep divide in the state’s governance structure. The Assembly’s move to override Governor Fubara’s veto on the Local Government Bill can be seen as an attempt to check the Governor’s powers and assert the Assembly’s role in shaping the state’s governance.

This political showdown has also seen legal interventions, with a court issuing an interim injunction directing the maintenance of the status quo of Local Government Chairmen. This injunction highlights the legal complexities of the situation and underscores the importance of the judiciary in resolving political disputes.

As of now, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has emerged as a powerful player in the state’s political landscape. The Assembly’s decision to override Governor Fubara’s veto on the Local Government Bill is a significant development that may have far-reaching implications for the state’s governance and political dynamics.