Rivers: Assembly overrides Fubara, passes amended LG bill into law

The Rivers State House of Assembly, at its 159th Legislative sitting on Monday, passed the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law by overriding the assent of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

It could be recalled that the House had on March 13, 2024, passed the Local Government (Amendment) Bill and forwarded same to Fubara for assent, which the governor declined.

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

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The Bill was represented before the House by the Majority Leader, Hon. Major Jack and debated upon by members.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule put the question, and with a two-third majority vote, the House agreed to override the governor and passed the Bill into Law.

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

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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.

Recall that on the 22nd of March, 2024 the House passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into law, wherein the House donated back to itself the power to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.