By Chimaobi Afiauwa, Abuja
A tumultuous battle for political supremacy in Rivers state escalated this morning as Governor Similayi Fubara ordered the demolition of the State House of Assembly Complex, relocating legislative sessions to a new facility within the Government House premises.
While the demolition unfolded, lawmakers led by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie were observed making their way into the Rivers State Government House, as reported by Vanguard.
MUK TV reports that the State House of Assembly has become the epicenter of a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, stemming from an impeachment attempt against the former by the House.
The aftermath of the attempted impeachment saw the Assembly engulfed in flames a month prior, splintering the House into factions supporting Fubara and Wike.
In a dramatic twist, 27 lawmakers, purportedly loyal to Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a move seemingly linked to an alleged impeachment plot against the governor.
Notably, a State High Court in Port Harcourt, presiding on Tuesday, upheld Edison’s position as Speaker pending the resolution of the ongoing legal dispute.
Meanwhile, another Rivers State High Court order mandated Edison Ehie to oversee the legislative activities, restraining others, including Martin Amaewhule and Dumle Maol, from accessing the Assembly complex until its renovation completion.
The court, while granting this interim order, stipulated a fine of N50 million against Edison if the application was deemed frivolous, further scheduling a hearing for December 21.
In response, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contested the court’s decision, criticizing it as an act of impunity, expressing intentions to petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) if the judge fails to retract the ruling.
