“They Are Like Little Children Shaking Their Heads, Thinking They Are Shaking the Coconut Tree” – Gov Fubara’s Aide Slams Pro-Wike Lawmakers

The Rivers State House of Assembly’s recent decision to override Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s assent on three critical bills has sparked sharp criticism from the governor’s camp. Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Assistant on Electronic Media to Governor Fubara, dismissed the lawmakers’ actions as inconsequential, describing them as a “committee of friends” and accusing them of undermining the state’s interests.

Omatsogunwa criticized the lawmakers’ approach, likening their efforts to “little children shaking a coconut tree,” who ultimately only shake their own heads. He questioned the enforceability of their actions, asserting, “This is not the first time they are overruling something, but I wonder who will enforce those overrulings in the end.”

Drawing comparisons to the federal legislative process, Omatsogunwa highlighted that during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the National Assembly did not override the president’s rejection of the electoral bill but instead addressed the concerns raised. He urged Speaker Martin Amaewhule and his allies to recognize that their actions lack credibility and have lost the support of the Rivers people.

The disputed bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) (Amendment) Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were passed by the Assembly last month but were withheld from assent by Governor Fubara. In response, the Assembly invoked its constitutional authority under Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution to override the governor’s decision during Thursday’s session.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule defended the Assembly’s actions, accusing Governor Fubara of obstructing progress through “indolence and ineptitude.” In a statement by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, Amaewhule emphasised that the Assembly remains committed to advancing the state’s interests and adhering to democratic principles.

The Speaker argued that Governor Fubara’s actions suggested a disregard for the Constitution and state laws, stressing that the Assembly was obligated to act decisively. According to Amaewhule, the laws in question are now effective under Section 100(5) of the Constitution, reflecting the Assembly’s commitment to upholding its legislative mandate.