Rivers Crisis Worsens As Wike-Backed Lawmakers Replace Speaker, Slams Heavy Allegation On Fubara

Lawmakers loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike convened a closed-door plenary session under tight security at the Assembly Complex on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, in defiance of a court order.

During the closed-door plenary, accusations were leveled against Governor Siminialayi Fubara for allegedly withholding funds designated for the House of Assembly’s operations in November. The factional Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, representing Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, revealed this development during the session.

Amaewhule addressed his colleagues following the passage of the House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill 2023’s second reading and subsequent debate. All lawmakers who contributed to the debate expressed their support for the bill. The Speaker announced the referral of the bill to the House Committee on Public Accounts for a public hearing and further legislative scrutiny.

In a statement before committing the bill for public hearing, the Speaker remarked, “…The governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has withheld the funds meant for the Assembly for the month of November 2023. But it is the resolve of the Assembly to perform its constitutional function, despite the distractions.”

Additionally, the lawmakers conducted a bye-election to fill the vacant position resulting from the removal of Ehie as the Majority Leader, and now factional Speaker leading the Pro-Fubara lawmakers. Major Jack, the former Chief Whip, was elected as the new Majority Leader, and Frankline Nwabochi assumed the role of Chief Whip. These newly elected principal officers represent Akuku Toru Constituency I and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I in the Assembly.

Amaewhule extended congratulations to the new principal officers, urging them to remain committed to their new responsibilities.