The political landscape in Rivers State remains tense as two factions of the State House of Assembly are set to hold parallel sessions today, July 8, 2024. This development exacerbates the existing uncertainty and highlights the urgency of the situation.
On Sunday night, the faction led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, which supports Governor Siminalayi Fubara, issued a letter through the Clerk, Dr. G. M. Gillis-West, inviting Emmanuel Frank-Fubara for screening and confirmation as a member of the State Executive Council on Monday. This session is scheduled to take place in an improvised chamber at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, the faction led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule, aligned with the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, will also convene for a plenary session today at the State Assembly’s official quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
The Amaewhule-led lawmakers’ agenda remains unclear, but it marks their first sitting since the Court of Appeal affirmed them as legitimate members of the House. They may discuss critical issues, potentially including the ongoing police barricade of the state’s 23 local government councils, which has lasted over two weeks.
The backdrop to this crisis includes the bombing of the State House of Assembly Complex in October 2023, following an attempt by 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike to impeach Governor Fubara. Subsequently, pro-Wike lawmakers announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the political turmoil in the state.
Currently, the fate of the 27 lawmakers remains subject to ongoing litigation, further complicating the political landscape in Rivers State.
