Ehie’s Confrontation: Edison Ehie, serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has issued a stern challenge to the State House of Assembly regarding their enactment of the repealed House of Assembly Service Commission Bill. This legislative move occurred during a plenary session held on Friday, thereby circumventing the authority vested in the governor.
Repeal Dynamics: The repealed legislation effectively stripped the governor of his prerogative to appoint the chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Service Commission, transferring this power to the Assembly itself.
Ehie’s Dissent: Having emerged as a contender for the speakership amidst recent political turmoil, Ehie contends that the legislative body lacks the jurisdiction to supersede the governor’s jurisdiction in such matters.
Constitutional Infringement: He argues that the provision aiming to delegate authority to the Assembly blatantly contravenes the tenets of the 1999 Constitution, rendering it legally untenable.
Ehie’s Legal Rationale: Drawing upon his legal expertise and past experience as deputy speaker, Ehie grounds his argument in the constitutional authority vested in the governor by the 1999 Constitution, granting executive powers for appointments to various executive entities.
Boundary of Assembly’s Authority: Fubara asserts that the purview of the Rivers State House of Assembly ceases with the confirmation of appointees, emphasizing the governor’s exclusive prerogative in the appointment process.
Legal Nullification: Ehie’s contention underscores the legal nullification of the Assembly’s attempt to encroach upon the governor’s authority, bolstered by constitutional provisions and jurisprudence.
Continued Strife: The ongoing discord between the Governor’s administration and the State House of Assembly serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power struggle within the political landscape of Rivers State.
