In the midst of an ongoing power struggle with the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has announced four key appointments, defying legislative moves to override his decisions.
The governor appointed Goodlife Ben as Acting Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Tonte Davies as Acting Administrator of the New Cities Development Authority (NCDA), and Ine Briggs as Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The appointments, effective immediately, come as the legislative body, led by Martins Amaewhule, voted to pass four bills into law.
The bills include the Rivers Local Government Amendment Law, the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Amendment Law, the Rivers State Advertisement and Use of State-Owned Property Prohibition repeal law, and the Rivers State Funds Management and Financial Autonomy Law.
The House’s decision to override Governor Fubara was based on constitutional provisions, specifically citing Section 100 subsection 5, which asserts that the governor’s assent is unnecessary if the bill is passed by a two-thirds majority after being rejected.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Overrides Gov Fubara’s Veto, Enacts Four Controversial Bills into Law
The bills encompass changes to local government laws, traditional rulers’ roles, advertisement regulations, and financial autonomy laws.
Amaewhule accused the governor of lacking plans for local government elections, heightening tensions within the assembly.
Notably, this development follows the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Fubara’s election just 24 hours prior.
The assembly, comprising 27 members aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, faces internal divisions with four members, formerly led by Edison Ehie, expressing loyalty to the governor.
The political crisis drew national attention, prompting intervention from Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Subsequently, all parties involved signed an eight-point resolution, or peace accord, aiming to quell the ongoing turmoil in the state.