By Milcah Tanimu
Tensions escalated in the Rivers State House of Assembly as two factions engaged in parallel sittings, each passing bills. The group of 27 lawmakers, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), held a separate session in protest against the declaration of their seats as vacant. The legislators met at the House of Assembly Quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, following the demolition of the Assembly building by the state government.
Simultaneously, the State Government-recognized G-4 House, led by Speaker Edison Ehie, passed the Rivers State N800.3 billion 2024 budget presented by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The APC criticized the budget presentation, stating that it violated constitutional provisions.
In a bid to demonstrate authority, the Amaewhule-led House passed bills, including the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, and the Rivers State Local Government Law (Amendment) Bill, 2023. They condemned the Assembly building’s demolition and accused Governor Fubara of constant attacks on the Legislature.
While the crisis unfolded, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, resigned, citing personal principles. Three other commissioners, including the Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Alabo, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke, also tendered their resignations.
Governor Fubara signed the 2024 budget into law, emphasizing its focus on critical road projects, infrastructure development, education, health, youth empowerment, and economic growth.
The APC called for adherence to constitutional processes and warned against any expenditure based on the budget presentation to four lawmakers. They criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly instigating political strife in the state.
As the crisis unfolded, the All Progressives Congress State Assembly Forum (ASAF) urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace in the Rivers State House of Assembly, expressing concerns over the potential impact on democracy if the situation escalates further.