Rivers State House of Assembly Crisis Deepens as Factions Pass Bills in Parallel Sittings

The Rivers State House of Assembly witnessed a deepening crisis as two factions clashed, holding parallel sittings and passing bills simultaneously. The turmoil ensued after 27 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), contesting the declaration of their seats as vacant.

A group of 25 legislators, led by Martin Amaewhule, convened at the House of Assembly Quarters, passing bills into law and condemning the demolition of the Assembly building by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Meanwhile, the G-4 House, recognized by the state government, swiftly passed the Rivers State N800.3 billion 2024 budget within 24 hours.

The Amaewhule-led faction, undeterred by the demolition, converted the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters into their chamber. They passed significant bills, including the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, and the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The latter aimed to protect elected local government officials from arbitrary removals and suspensions.

Expressing their discontent, the House drew attention to Governor Fubara’s alleged attacks on the Legislature, vowing to involve the international community and the United Nations. The crisis prompted resignations, with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, SAN, citing personal principles. Three other commissioners also tendered their resignations.

Despite the chaos, the state House of Assembly asserted that due diligence was applied in approving the 2024 budget. Speaker Edison Ehie emphasized its alignment with current realities and the administration’s commitment to infrastructure, education, health, youth empowerment, and the economy.

Governor Fubara, elated after signing the appropriation bill into law, outlined plans for critical road projects and affirmed his commitment to impactful development. However, the APC contested the budget presentation, deeming it unconstitutional and threatening impeachment proceedings.

As the political turmoil unfolded, Commissioner for Justice Prof. Adango and two other commissioners resigned, further intensifying the crisis. The APC, recognizing Nyesom Wike as Nigeria’s Dean of Politics, accused Governor Fubara of orchestrating the turmoil and jeopardizing the state’s stability.

Amid these developments, a group, the All Progressives Congress State Assembly Forum (ASAF), urged President Tinubu to intervene urgently, seeking to restore peace to the Rivers State House of Assembly and prevent potential repercussions on the nation’s democracy.

The Rivers State Assembly crisis continues to escalate, posing challenges to governance, stability, and democratic principles.