Displaying independent legislative authority, the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule went against Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s objections and approved the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024, on Monday.
The bill, which was initially passed by Amaewhule’s Assembly on March 26, 2024, faced opposition from Governor Fubara, who refused to give it assent.
During discussions led by Majority Leader, Major Jack, and Amaewhule, the Assembly stood firm on the bill’s goals, highlighting the need to safeguard taxpayers’ funds and prevent misuse.
Amaewhule criticized the governor’s failure to follow proper procedures and cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Speaker’s senior adviser, Martins Wachukwu, the Assembly’s decision to enact the bill as law, with a two-thirds majority vote as per constitutional requirements, demonstrates a firm stance against executive overreach and a dedication to legislative oversight.
The statement reads: “Subsequently, the House, as stipulated by Section 100 (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, voted and passed the bill into law with a two-thirds majority.”
Aside from passing the Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, the Amaewhule-led Assembly tackled urgent issues in the state’s local government system. Hon. Ignatius Onwuka shed light on the challenges faced by Emohua Local Government Council staff, who have gone months without pay due to governance irregularities approved by the governor.
The legislators also introduced vital bills to improve the state’s energy sector and streamline local governance.
Furthermore, the statement added: “Also on Monday, the House introduced the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, sponsored by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.
It proposes the repeal of the Rivers State Electricity and Gas Board Law CAP 50, Laws of Rivers State, 1999, to establish the Rivers State Electricity Market Law for electricity supply operations within Rivers State. The bill aims to create the Rivers State Electricity Commission for consumer rights enforcement and related purposes.
Similarly, the Rivers State Local Government (Consolidation) Bill, 2024, was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dumle Maol, for its first reading. The bill seeks to consolidate all local government laws in the state for easier reference.”