Wike vs. Fubara: Rival Factions in Rivers Assembly Hold Parallel Sessions

Tension is mounting in Rivers State as two factions of the state assembly hold parallel sessions.

The Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly and the Martin Amaewhule group are conducting separate sittings at different locations. Oko-Jumbo’s faction is loyal to Governor Sim Fubara, while Amaewhule’s group supports the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The pro-Fubara legislators are holding their session in an improvised chamber at the state Government House in Port Harcourt, whereas the pro-Wike lawmakers are meeting at the official State Assembly quarters along Aba Road.

Both factions began their plenaries at 10 am. The Oko-Jumbo-led House is expected to screen a new commissioner-nominee, Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, while the agenda for the Amaewhule-led lawmakers remains undisclosed.

This marks the first sitting for the Amaewhule-led lawmakers since the Court of Appeal recognized them as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The State House of Assembly Complex on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, was bombed in October 2023 following an attempt by 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister to impeach Governor Fubara. Subsequently, the pro-Wike legislators announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the pro-Fubara lawmakers declared their seats vacant.

The status of these 27 lawmakers has been under legal scrutiny, with the Appeal Court recently ruling in favor of the Amaewhule faction.