The Rivers State House of Assembly made a big decision on Friday during a sudden meeting. This is the second time this year they’ve gone against the governor to pass a law. Back in January, they did the same thing and passed four bills into law despite the governor’s objections.
This latest clash happened after the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, read four letters from the governor. In those letters, the governor said he didn’t agree to the new bills. But the House didn’t back down. They used a rule called Section 100, Subsection 5, which says they don’t need the governor’s approval if two-thirds of them agree on a bill.
The Speaker didn’t hold back in criticizing the governor. He accused him of not wanting to hold local government elections. The Speaker said the governor didn’t like that the new laws took away his power to appoint caretaker committee chairmen for the local governments.
The four new laws they passed are:
1. Rivers Local Government Amendment Law: This changes how local governments are run and limits the governor’s power to appoint caretaker committee chairmen.
2. Rivers State Traditional Rulers Amendment Law: This gives more authority to traditional rulers in governing.
3. Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-Owned Property Prohibition Repeal Law: This makes sure that state-owned property is used transparently.
4. Rivers State Funds Management and Financial Autonomy Law: This law aims to make sure the state government handles money responsibly and independently.
These new laws show the House’s determination to make positive changes in Rivers State. But it also sets the stage for a possible legal battle between the House and the governor. Only time will tell how this conflict plays out and what it means for the state’s future.