In a recent legislative session, the Rivers State House of Assembly voiced its strong condemnation of Governor Fubara for disregarding the state’s laws in his recent appointments. During the session, lawmakers expressed their disappointment with the selection of Mr. Goodlife Ben as the acting Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr Mrs. Ine Briggs as the acting Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, and Mr. Tonte Davies as the acting Administrator of the New Cities Development Authority.
Hon Major Jack, the Majority Leader of the House, highlighted a government special announcement regarding these appointments, bringing the matter to the attention of the House. The lawmakers cited relevant laws and emphasized that the governor’s actions were in direct violation of existing legislation.
In response, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, the Speaker of the House, expressed strong disapproval of the governor’s appointments. He specifically criticized the appointment of an acting administrator for the New Cities Development Authority, stating that this organization has no legal recognition in the state. Rt. Hon. Amaewhule further pointed out that appointing an acting chairman for the Local Government Service Commission and an acting director general for the Bureau for Public Procurement contradicted the provisions of relevant establishment laws.
The Speaker raised concerns about why Governor Fubara would deliberately flout existing laws and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, knowing that such actions constitute misconduct.
After a vote, the House unanimously agreed to send a letter to Governor Fubara, citing 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 House strongly expressed its displeasure with these questionable appointments, deeming them a violation of existing laws and an abnormality.
Hon. (Barr.) Lolo Isaiah Opuende, the representative for Akuku-Toru Constituency II, spoke on the matter. He denounced the governor’s disregard for existing laws and emphasized the importance of respecting the primary sources of law in Nigeria. He stated, “The governor’s actions not only undermine the rule of law but also threaten the democratic process in our state. We must uphold and abide by the laws that have been put in place to govern us.”
Furthermore, Hon. Lolo indicated that the rebuke of Governor Fubara’s appointments and the subsequent call to uphold the state’s laws highlight the importance of adhering to legal frameworks and promoting good governance principles. He said that the primary sources of law in Nigeria, both at the federal and state levels, play a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning and progress of society. The lawmaker said he hoped that Governor Fubara would take the concerns of the House of Assembly seriously and rectify these appointments by the existing laws.
