Rivers Assembly Crisis Thickens, As Two Factions Hold Separate Plenary, Police Block Complex

By Ayodele Oni

The political turmoil in Rivers state is far from being over despite assurances by the two Principal actors in the crisis, former Governor Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara to ceasefire.

On Tuesday,  tension rose as police took over the control of the State House of Assembly complex as the two  factions of the Legislature flexed muscles.

Legislators from both sides of the conflict reportedly met separately at different places.

The entrance of the Assembly complex was guarded by four police vehicles, and traffic along the Moscow Road axis of the Assembly was restricted.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier, (APC) was also seen moving back and forth on the road where the complex is located, and many armed officers were stationed at important locations.

The motive for the security increase was not clear, but it was reported that some lawmakers met on Tuesday.

The 25 lawmakers led by House Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, loyal to Wike, met early on Tuesday.

The lawmakers reportedly discussed two issues related to the end of the strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria.

They also urged the State Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the blast at the Assembly that destroyed the hallowed Chamber and several property.

Also, the other Lawmakers led by factional Speaker, Edison Ehie,  expressed their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

After a meeting on Tuesday, they praised the Governor for his developmental strides and  efforts to keep the State peaceful.

Ehie, in a statement signed by Legislative Aide, Ken Uchendu, said it takes a visionary leader to drive the development for the welfare of the people of the State

The faction decided to continue to give the Governor the necessary backing to achieve his consolidation and continuity agenda for the benefit of the State.

The lawmakers also denounced the attack on Ehie’s residence on Sunday night and the arson of the House of Assembly.

The Lawmakers appealed to the Governor to start the repair works as soon as possible.

“Moreover, the House stressed the need for the Inspector General of Police, and other related Security Agencies in the State to investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Crisis started in the House of Assembly when Lawmakers loyal to Wike, FCT Minister, made a move to impeach the Governor, allegedly, on the instruction of Wike.

For the records, Wike is Fubara’s political godfather. He, it was who imposed him, singlehandedly, almost, on the State as the Governor.

With additional reports by Akinwale Kasali