In a brewing clash between the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly, lawmakers have accused the governor of making unlawful appointments, sparking fresh tension in the political landscape of the state.
The State Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, declared Fubara’s actions as an aberration, criticizing the appointment of officials such as Mr. Goodlife Ben, Dr. Mrs Ine Briggs, and Mr. Tonte Davies.
Major Jack, the House Majority Leader, highlighted the government’s Special Announcement as the catalyst for their concerns, stressing Fubara’s alleged disregard for existing laws.
The Speaker, questioning the governor’s actions, referred to the violation of Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 and Section 5(1) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008.
“The only thing available for the governor to do is to submit his nominees to us (House) for screening and confirmation.
“There is no legislation backing the purported New Cities Development Authority that he intends to create.
“The action of the governor to go ahead to appoint someone and say the person is in an acting capacity and ask the person to resume there is nothing like that in our law.
“The Clark is hereby directed to write a letter to the governor drawing attention to the laws of Rivers State, particularly the Rivers State Local Government Law. Public Procurement Law N0 4,” the Speaker said while reading the resolution of the House against Fubara’s illegal appointments.
