In a dramatic turn of events, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who are loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have claimed to have impeached Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The move has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape, marking the first public indication that Governor Fubara and his once-ally, Nyesom Wike, the former governor who is now the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, are no longer on good terms.
Ehie Edison, a prominent lawmaker, announced that he had been named as Speaker Amaewhule’s replacement. However, the legality of this action is still being questioned, with differing accounts of the number of lawmakers present during the purported impeachment.
According to Mr. Edison, 26 out of 32 members cast their votes in his favor, signaling strong support from his colleagues.
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Some lawmakers have told reporters that only 11 members were present at the parliament when the impeachment and replacement occurred on Monday. This discrepancy has raised questions about the legitimacy of the process.
The situation is further complicated by reports of 15 members being suspended, effectively allowing the remaining 11 members to form the required two-thirds quorum to remove the Speaker and conduct legislative business.
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Rumors have also circulated that Mr. Edison and other lawmakers recommended the urgent removal of all local government chairpersons in the state and the state’s chief judge, although these claims have yet to be confirmed.
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The governor’s defiant appearance at the House of Assembly Complex on Monday morning signals a major shift in his political alliances. Mr. Fubara, who had previously been closely aligned with Mr. Wike, now finds himself in a power struggle with his former ally, who was instrumental in his election earlier this year.
Although there has been no public statement from Mr. Wike regarding the recent developments, the political turmoil in Rivers State has drawn intense public attention and criticism. The Gazette reached out to a spokesman for the FCT minister for comments, but no response has been received as of Monday afternoon.
The situation in Rivers State continues to evolve, and the future political landscape remains uncertain as various factions vie for control and influence.
