Showing its independent legislative authority, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule, went against Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s veto and approved the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Monday.
The bill, initially passed by Amaewhule-led Assembly on March 26, 2024, was left unsigned by Governor Fubara, who chose not to enact it into law.
During deliberations led by Majority Leader, Major Jack, and Amaewhule, the Assembly supported the bill’s objectives, stressing the importance of safeguarding taxpayers’ funds and preventing misuse.
Amaewhule criticized the governor for not following the due process and cautioned about possible consequences if such actions continue.
Issuing a statement to the press, signed by the senior adviser to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, the Assembly’s decision to pass the bill into law, with a two-thirds majority vote as per the constitution, demonstrates a firm stance against executive overreach and a dedication to legislative oversight.
The statement cited: “Following this, the House, in line with Section 100 (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, voted and, with a two-thirds majority, approved the bill as law.”
Aside from the approval of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, the Amaewhule-led Assembly tackled urgent matters within the state’s local government system. Hon. Ignatius Onwuka highlighted the challenges faced by Emohua Local Government Council employees, who have not been paid for months due to governance irregularities supported by the governor.
The legislators also introduced crucial bills aimed at improving the state’s energy sector and refining local governance.
The statement mentioned: “Additionally, on Monday, the House introduced the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, proposed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
“This bill aims to repeal the existing Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law CAP 50, Laws of Rivers State, 1999, and establish the Rivers State Electricity Market Law to regulate electricity supply, power generation, transmission, and distribution within Rivers State. It also lays the foundation for the Rivers State Electricity Commission to uphold consumers’ rights and obligations, along with related provisions.
“Likewise, the Rivers State Local Government (Consolidation) Bill, 2024, was introduced by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, and read for the introductory time. This bill seeks to consolidate all local government laws in the state for convenient reference.”