The Rivers State House of Assembly has been plunged into more confusion as two rival factions, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and sitting Governor Siminalayi Fubara, held separate sittings on Monday, each determined to assert their authority in a battle of wills thus threatening to destabilize the state’s legislative branch in the process.
Rivers state is currently experiencing a game of thrones and a battle of wills as two factions of the state of Assembly representing Former governor Nyesom Wike and Sitting Governor Siminilayi Fubara hold separate sittings today.
It began unraveling on Sunday night when an invitation was extended to Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, the new commissioner-nominee, by the faction loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, through a letter written by the Clerk of the Executive Council, Dr. G. M Gillis-West to appear before the council on Monday for screening and confirmation.
More drama would unfold as the faction led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to the Former Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike, will also put together a fully constituted session today. The Martin-led Lawmakers will gather at the official state Assembly quarters on Aba Road while the pro-Fubara lawmakers will meet in a makeshift chamber at the Government House also in Port Harcourt.
It is relevant to note that the Court of Appeal upheld the lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike as valid members of the House of Assembly last week.
It bears mentioning that this will be the first convenience of the pro-Wike group since the Court of Appeal ruling recognized them as fully constituted members of the house.
The battle for dominance between the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers Governor Siminayi Fubara is showing no signs of letting up. It remains to be seen how far these two are willing to take the test of Will.
