The attack on the residence of Edison Ehie, the factional Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly by suspected thugs has raised a new twist in ongoing power struggle between incumbent Governor Siminalaye Fubara, and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor.
According to eye witnesses of the attack, the incident took place around 11 pm on Sunday.
Ehie’s security details were however able to thwart the attack, to ensure that no one was hurt, sources said.
Those watching the political development in the oil rich state insist that the attack may likely worsen the crisis of confidence between Governor Fubara and Wike who claimed to have settled after the political crisis which rocked the state last month.
Recall that Ehie, the House Leader was suspended from the Assembly by 24 lawmakers in the led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule . He would later declare himself Speaker.
Not a few insist that Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister is behind the current political crisis in the state due to the fact that Governor Fubara has refused to be controlled by him.
For instance, the fact that the attack on Ehie, critics of the former governor said, came at a time that 27 lawmakers believed to be loyal to him held a retreat in Abuja, is an indication that Wike is not prepared for settlement, even though, it’s not proved yet whether he sent the thugs.
Following the clash between Fubara and Wike supporters last month, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, governors led by the Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammed had met with the two leaders with a view to push for reconciliation.
President Tinubu also met with the two political gladiators in the quest to reconcile them and bring to end the political crisis in the oil rich state.
