Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday witnessed a new chapter in the ongoing crisis as 27 lawmakers aligned with Speaker Martin Amaewhule convened a session under heightened security measures within the Assembly complex.
The rift in the Rivers Assembly stems from a failed attempt to impeach Governor Siminialayi Fubara, resulting in factionalization. Amaewhule’s faction is widely perceived to be loyal to Fubara’s predecessor and political mentor, Nyesom Wike.
Preceding Wednesday’s session, cleaners were reportedly deployed on Tuesday to prepare the Assembly complex, which had been sealed since October 29 due to an explosion the night before.
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During the approximately two-hour sitting, a substantial police presence, including riot policemen and security vans, stood guard at the House to prevent potential breaches.
In a noteworthy move, the lawmakers elected a new Majority Leader, Frankline Nwabochi, representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 1, and named him the new Chief Whip. An unsigned statement confirmed that both newly appointed officials took their oath of office.
The Assembly also deliberated on a Bill aiming to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018, which was presented for first reading. Additionally, the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, passed its second reading during the session.
Speaker Amaewhule emphasized the significance of the Financial Autonomy Bill and expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would assent to it once passed, noting that funds for the Assembly in November were allegedly withheld by the governor.
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The Bill has been referred to the House Committee on Public Accounts for public hearing and further legislative scrutiny.
Despite the distractions, Speaker Amaewhule reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to fulfilling their constitutional duties. He acknowledged the vote of confidence passed by his colleagues and thanked them for their support.
As of the time of filing this report, the opposing faction led by House Leader Edison Ehie, aligned with Governor Fubara, had not issued a response to Wednesday’s developments. It is noteworthy that the Ehie faction had previously obtained a court order maintaining the status quo pending the determination of a suit seeking to remove Amaewhule as the House Speaker.