Edison Ehie challenges the Rivers State Assembly's decision For Overriding Fubara

Edison Ehie challenges the Rivers State Assembly's decision to enact the repealed House of Assembly Service Commission Bill, asserting that it exceeds the Assembly's authority. As a former contender for the House Speakership during recent political unrest, Ehie contends that the Assembly lacks the jurisdiction to make such a decision, emphasizing its violation of the 1999 Constitution.


Ehie, who serves as Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, criticizes the Assembly's move to transfer the power of appointing the chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Service Commission from the governor to itself. He argues that this amendment is unconstitutional and legally invalid.

In a document titled "Can the Rivers State House of Assembly remove the power of the governor to appoint the chairman and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and transfer it to the house?" released in Port Harcourt, Ehie, a lawyer and former deputy speaker of the House, cites the constitutional authority vested in the governor by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution to make executive appointments. He underscores that the Assembly's role is limited to confirming appointees, as per Section 198 of the Constitution.

Ehie further analyzes legal issues surrounding the Assembly's actions, including the Constitutional alteration of 2023 and the control of executive bodies by the State Government. He contends that the Assembly's attempt to revive repealed statutes and assert authority over executive appointments is legally untenable.

In conclusion, Ehie asserts that the Rivers State House of Assembly's attempt to usurp the governor's appointment powers is unconstitutional and legally flawed, likening it to building on a weak foundation that will ultimately collapse.