In a move that has further intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued Executive Order 001, dated October 30, 2023, mandating the temporary relocation of the state House of Assembly’s proceedings to the Government House Auditorium.
The decision comes in the wake of a fire incident on October 29, 2023, which severely damaged the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, rendering it unsafe for legislative activities. The governor’s gazette cited the need for urgent repairs, renovations, and reconstruction of the damaged chambers as the primary reason for the relocation.
The relocation order has sparked controversy, especially considering the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has deeply polarized the Rivers House of Assembly since 2023. This polarization saw 27 assembly members defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December, leaving the Assembly with only a handful of lawmakers loyal to the governor.
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Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Assembly has been plagued by factional leadership disputes. In October 2023, Ehie Edison was elected speaker of a factional assembly following his removal as house leader by members loyal to Martin Amaewhule, who was aligned with Wike. Edison later resigned to become the governor’s chief of staff.
The political crisis took a dramatic turn recently when Victor Jumbo, representing the Bonny state constituency, was elected as a factional speaker. This was followed by a state high court ruling on Friday, granting an interim injunction restraining Amaewhule from acting as speaker and barring 25 other assembly members from parading themselves as legislators.
The situation has been further fueled by rumors of Governor Fubara’s intention to demolish the state assembly quarters in Port Harcourt. These speculations gained traction when armed police officers barricaded the entrances to the quarters.
More details will be provided as they unfold.
Source: The Cable