26 Rivers lawmakers hold plenary, chide Fubara over demolition of assembly complex

Twenty-six lawmakers of the Rivers house of assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday held a legislative sitting of the house.

The plenary was held at the assembly quarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

During the plenary, the 26 lawmakers adopted a motion to convert the auditorium of the house of assembly quarters into its hallowed chamber.

Ofiks Kabang, a member representing the Andoni constituency, moved a motion to call the attention of the federal government, inspector-general of police, and the international community, to the constant attack of the legislature by Siminialayi Fubara, governor of the state.

The lawmakers condemned the demolition of the assembly complex by the state government without the approval and knowledge of the house.

Responding to the prayers moved in the motion, Martin Amaewhule, the factional speaker, hinted that the assembly would write to the United Nations and the international community over the action of the governor.

Amaewhule said the action of the governor amounts to “harassment, intimidation, and mindless attacks” against the legislature.

At the plenary, the lawmakers passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023.

BACKGROUND

The Rivers state assembly is currently enmeshed in a political crisis, which has led to the division of the state legislature.

The faction loyal to the state governor has five members and is led by Edison Ehie, while the other faction led by Amaewhule, has 26 members.

On Wednesday, Fubara presented the 2024 budget to the Ehie-led faction of the assembly.

Ehie had earlier declared the seats of 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), vacant.

During the budget presentation by the governor, the state government demolished the assembly complex, citing that there were cracks in the building following the October fire incident.

Fubara and Wike are at loggerheads over the control of the political structure in Rivers.