The G-60 coalition criticizes the Rivers State House of Assembly for passing the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, overriding Governor Fubara’s assent
Opposition lawmakers condemn the bill passage, labelling it unenforceable, and accuse defected lawmakers of unconstitutional activities and legislative overreach
The G-60 coalition, comprising opposition lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly, has strongly criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly for amending and passing the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill, overriding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s assent.
Opposition representatives in the House of Representatives, represented by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, condemned the bill’s passage, labelling it as unenforceable and a potential catalyst for chaos.
Ugochinyere asserted that the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, who defected from their original party, lacked the legitimacy to enact, amend, or veto laws, thereby deeming their actions as “legislative rascality taken too far.”
Questions were raised regarding lawmakers’ motives aligned with Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, suggesting a possible attempt to disrupt Governor Fubara’s administration and violate the presidential peace accord.
The federal lawmakers accused Amaewhule and his associates of engaging in unconstitutional activities, emphasizing that overriding Governor Fubara’s assent to the amended Bill is futile.
Calling for decisive action, they urged the Inspector General of Police to apprehend and prosecute the defected Rivers lawmakers for unlawfully interfering with Rivers State’s local government law.
“The brazenness of the defected Rivers State House of Assembly in passing the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill, overriding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s permission, is an egregious display of legislative overreach. Amaewhule and his allies persist in amending laws despite lacking legal authority. Therefore, we demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of these defected lawmakers for their criminal interference with Rivers State’s local government law,” the federal lawmakers declared.
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