Police Block Pro-Wike Lawmakers’ Entry to Rivers Assembly

In a tense confrontation today, police officers guarded the gates of the Rivers State House of Assembly, resisting the entry of 27 lawmakers aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike. The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, sought entry for a valedictory session honoring their late colleague, Dinebari Loloox.

Dressed in black, the lawmakers were stopped by policemen citing orders not to allow entry. After discussions, the police reluctantly allowed them to proceed, emphasizing their duty to prevent security breaches.

The valedictory session, attended by the late lawmaker’s family, House of Representatives member Dumnamene Dekor, and former state lawmakers, adjourned until December 18, 2023.

The Assembly has been in crisis since October 29 when a bombing occurred ahead of a planned move by pro-Wike lawmakers to impeach Governor Siminialayi Fubara. The pro-Wike faction recently accessed the locked complex, electing new leaders and pushing for the release of withheld Assembly funds.

In related developments, constituents from Ogoni land initiated a recall process for four lawmakers, accusing them of neglecting their duties for political interests. Solomon Lenu, Convener of Ogoni Development Drive, stated that the recall process began after an ultimatum for the lawmakers to apologize expired.

Meanwhile, the Vanguard for Good Governance and Transparency commended the state police command for neutrality in handling the Assembly crisis, urging continued professionalism from Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu.

The political imbroglio in the state remains a contentious issue, with stakeholders monitoring developments closely for a resolution within the bounds of the law.