According to the report from the Vanguard, The recent discord between the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly regarding the passage of the Amended State’s Procurement Bill has escalated into a standoff. The Assembly, during its 173rd Legislative Sitting, defied Governor Siminialayi Fubara's assent and proceeded to pass the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law.
The decision to override the governor's assent was made by the State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, following the governor's alleged withholding of assent. In response, Governor Siminalayi Fubara criticized the legislative body's approach towards his administration, suggesting that the members would lose their legislative positions if he deemed it necessary.
The House had initially approved the Rivers State Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on March 26, 2024, and forwarded it to the Governor for assent. However, the Assembly claimed that the Governor had refused to grant assent to the bill.
Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the House, emphasized the significance of the Bill in safeguarding taxpayers' funds and preventing their misuse on questionable contracts. He expressed regret over the absence of legal framework in awarding contracts and voiced concerns over potential dictatorial governance practices in the State.
He reiterated the House's commitment to upholding the laws of Rivers State and the amended 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Amaewhule warned that if Governor Siminialayi Fubara persisted in his current approach, the House would take more rigorous actions when appropriate.
Governor Fubara swiftly responded by questioning the legitimacy of the Assembly members, asserting that they were non-existent and operated solely based on his involvement in the Abuja peace initiative spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu. Fubara made these remarks during discussions with a delegation of political and traditional leaders from Bayelsa State, who had sought his assistance in resolving the political tensions and fostering improved inter-state relations.
The conflict between Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly underscores a deepening rift in their working relationship, with both sides expressing firm stances on the legislative process and governance dynamics within Rivers State.