In a recent development in Rivers State, Nigeria, a political crisis has intensified as 27 out of 32 members of the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.
This shift in allegiance took place in Port Harcourt, with the lawmakers expressing their continued loyalty to the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, despite their move to the APC. The situation reflects ongoing political dynamics and realignments within the state.
NN News Media recall that Rivers State experienced a political crisis on October 29 and 30, marked by the burning of the State House of Assembly chamber. The incident was reportedly linked to purported attempts to impeach Governor Simi Fubara, signifying heightened tensions within the political landscape of the state. The burning of the legislative chamber underscores the severity of the political turmoil during this period.
The political crisis in Rivers State resulted in the emergence of two factional speakers, Martin Amaehule, aligned with the former Governor Wike, and Edison Ehie, a staunch supporter of Governor Fubara.
Fubara, in a recent peace meeting with President Bola Tinubu, apologized for the crisis and expressed readiness to pursue a path of lasting peace for the progress and development of the state. This indicates a potential shift towards reconciliation and stability in the region.