On Friday, the Nigerian Police Force assumed control of both entrance and exit points of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. With over 30 officers stationed at the first and second gates, and approximately 25 patrol vans blocking alternate entrances, security measures intensified.
This move followed Speaker Martins Amaewhule’s allegations against Governor Sim Fubara, claiming plans for the demolition of the legislative quarters.
The state assembly finds itself in turmoil with the emergence of a factional speaker, Victor Oko Jumbo. However, the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi, has disassociated from Fubara’s Assembly faction, affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker. Also Read: Rivers Crisis: Fubara Moves Assembly to Government House
This situation escalates the ongoing confrontation between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, concerning the state’s political structures.
On Thursday, Fubara made an unannounced visit to the facility, citing the need to assess the situation following the appointment of a new speaker. He defended his actions, stating, “Is the Assembly quarters not part of my property? Is there anything wrong in going to check how things are going on there? You are aware of the developments. We have a new speaker, and I went there to see for myself how things are. There might be a few things I might want to do there for the good of our people.”