The political turmoil in Rivers State has intensified as members of the state’s National Assembly Caucus and the state government engage in a heated dispute over the legitimacy of the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
During a solidarity visit led by Kingsley Chinda, who represents Obio-Akpor Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, National Assembly members reaffirmed their recognition of Amaewhule’s faction as the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly. They urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to comply with court orders and cease engagements with the rival Victor Oko Jumbo-led Assembly.
According to the caucus, the widely reported defection of 26 lawmakers from the Assembly never legally occurred. They warned that Fubara’s continued refusal to acknowledge Amaewhule’s leadership could plunge the state into anarchy. Additionally, they called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Rivers State Police Command to enforce judicial rulings.
The Political Background
The crisis stems from a failed Presidential peace accord brokered between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, 26 pro-Wike lawmakers, and Governor Fubara. In the aftermath, Victor Oko Jumbo—one of only three lawmakers loyal to Fubara—was swiftly elected as Speaker of the Assembly. His emergence followed the appointment of former Speaker Edison Ehie, a Fubara loyalist, as the governor’s Chief of Staff.
This political maneuver effectively thwarted a second impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara, spearheaded by the Amaewhule-led faction.
State Government Pushes Back
Reacting to the National Assembly caucus’s stance, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, dismissed the claims made by pro-Wike lawmakers. He insisted that Governor Fubara remains law-abiding and fully respects the judiciary.
Johnson labeled the Amaewhule faction as “ex-legislators” and accused them of spreading misinformation. He argued that the National Assembly caucus’s press conference was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public on the true legal standing of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The January 22, 2024, ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is clear. Only those opposed to progress would pretend not to understand the judgment and its implications,” Johnson stated.
Legal Proceedings and Awaiting Supreme Court Ruling
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has postponed its ruling on the embattled Amaewhule-led Assembly’s legal status. Presiding over the case, Justice E. A. Obile adjourned proceedings until April 30, 2025, to allow for the adoption of written addresses by all parties.
Justice Obile emphasized that with similar cases pending before the Supreme Court, the Federal High Court would not assume concurrent jurisdiction.
“It is essential to wait for the Supreme Court’s decision to determine the full scope of its judgment. Once the apex court delivers its ruling, hearing notices will be served accordingly,” he said.
As the political and legal battles continue, Rivers State remains on edge, with both factions holding firm to their claims of legitimacy. The Supreme Court’s verdict will likely be the defining moment in resolving this deepening crisis.
