High Court Confirms Edison Ehie as Legitimate Speaker Amid Rivers State Assembly Crisis

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt declared Edison Ehie as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday. The ruling comes amid the ongoing political turmoil between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Edison Ehie, one of the four lawmakers supporting Governor Fubara, faced suspension and removal as the house leader by colleagues loyal to Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja.

Justice M.W. Danagogo, presiding over the case, not only affirmed Edison Ehie’s legitimacy but also issued a directive for Martins Amaewhule and Dumle Maol to cease identifying themselves as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Furthermore, the court issued a stern warning against the use of thugs and police officers to gain access to the Assembly Complex.

The political landscape in Rivers State witnessed a dramatic shift on Monday, with approximately 27 lawmakers defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). This mass defection adds another layer of complexity to the already intense power struggle within the state.