Tension is currently mounting in Rivers State as the two factions of the State House of Assembly are locked up in parallel sittings this morning.
Lawmakers were already arriving at the House of Assembly Quarters amidst heavy security presence as this report was filed.
While Speaker, Martin Amaewhule was seen walking into the chamber, the Victor Oko-Jumbo section will also sit to screen a commissioner nominee. Oko-Jumbo will be presiding over the other House sitting.
On Sunday night, the Oko-Jumbo-led House loyal to the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara had in a letter by the Clerk, Dr G. M Gillis-West, invited a new commissioner-nominee, Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, to appear before it on Monday for screening and confirmation as a member box the State Executive Council.
While the pro-Fubara lawmakers hold their sitting in an improvised Hallowed Chamber in the Government House, Port Harcourt, the pro-Wike legislators sit at the State Assembly official quarters along Aba Road, also in the metropolis.
It is unclear what the Amaewhule-led lawmakers will deliberate on, although it will be their first sitting since the Court of Appeal judgement recognised the pro-Wike lawmakers as members of the House.
Their sittings follow the bombing of the State House of Assembly Complex located along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt in October 2023.
There was also an attempt by the 27 lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister to impeach Fubara.
The pro-Wike lawmakers later during plenary announced their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress as the political crisis in the state deepened following the feud between Fubara and Wike.
The crisis soon landed the 27 lawmakers in court, as they battle to save their status.
Former Rivers Lawmakers Meet With Fubara, Call For Peace
On Saturday, members of the National Assembly from Rivers State urged the political leaders in the state to uphold the rule of law and prioritize peace over personal interests.
The ex-lawmakers, who served in both the Senate and the House of Representatives at different times including the 3rd Republic, appealed during a media briefing after meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Port Harcourt.
A former House of Representatives member for Khana/Gokana, Bernard Mikko read the group’s communique.
He also rejected calls for a state of emergency and the attempt to disrespect the constitutional terms of elected council chairmen.
“Regardless of our political affiliations, we stand united in our unwavering belief and conviction that the unity, peace, and progress of Rivers State are paramount and non-negotiable,” Mikko stated.
“We reaffirm our absolute commitment to the rule of law, a cornerstone of democracy that ensures no one, including the government, is above the law. We uphold this fundamental principle, which safeguards justice, equality, and accountability for all.
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