The political crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly seems to be far from over as the factional Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ehie Edison, has tendered his resignation. This latest development throws a wrench into the already fragile peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu and further deepens the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ehie announced his resignation as both Speaker and member of the Assembly, representing Ahoada-East Constituency II. While the exact reasons for his decision remain unclear, speculation revolves around the recent resolution reached between Fubara and Wike, with President Tinubu playing the mediator.
This resolution, reached under the auspices of President Tinubu, stipulated that Martins Chike Amaewhule, loyal to Wike, should be recognized as the legitimate Speaker. Additionally, actions taken by the Ehie-led faction, such as the approval of the 2024 budget, were to be nullified and redone. Ehie’s resignation could be interpreted as a sign of his unwillingness to cede power to Amaewhule or accept the terms of the Tinubu-brokered deal.
The current political turmoil in Rivers State stems from the bitter rivalry between Governor Fubara and his former boss, Wike. This friction, fueled by disagreements over political patronage and control of the state’s resources, has manifested in various ways, including the emergence of two rival factions within the House of Assembly.
The burning of the House of Assembly chamber in October 2023, allegedly as part of an attempt to impeach Fubara, marked a dramatic escalation of the crisis. This incident led to the formation of the two factional Speakerships, with Amaewhule and Ehie representing the Wike and Fubara camps, respectively.
In a further twist, 27 members of the House, predominantly Wike loyalists, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023. However, this move did not significantly alter the power dynamics, as one of the defectors later returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
President Tinubu’s intervention, while aimed at resolving the impasse, appears to have backfired. The terms of the agreement, particularly the recognition of Amaewhule as Speaker, seem to have alienated Ehie and his supporters, leading to his resignation and potentially reigniting the conflict.
The resignation of Ehie throws the future of Rivers politics into further uncertainty. With two rival factions vying for power and no clear end in sight to the crisis, the state’s political landscape remains volatile. The ability of Fubara and Wike to reconcile their differences and forge a path towards political stability will be crucial in determining the future of Rivers State.
In conclusion, the resignation of Ehie Edison as Speaker and lawmaker underscores the depth of the political crisis plaguing Rivers State. President Tinubu’s attempt at mediation, while well-intentioned, has seemingly backfired, pushing the two warring factions further apart. Only time will tell if Fubara and Wike can find common ground and bring an end to this protracted political turmoil.
It’s important to note that the situation in Rivers State is complex and evolving. This news story provides a snapshot of the current events based on available information. As the situation unfolds, new developments may emerge that could require further updates to the narrative.