October 30, (THEWILL) – The speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaehwule, has been suspended.
Consequently, 26 members of the House allegedly loyal to Siminalaye Fubara, the State Governor have elected and inaugurated the leader of the House, Edison Ehie, as its new Speaker.
Earlier, THEWILL reported that 24 members of the Assembly loyal to the immediate-past governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had suspended Ehie as House Majority Leader.
Amid the unfolding drama, the number of pro-Fubara lawmakers increased to 26 after 18 lawmakers loyal to Wike realigned from the earlier 24 that wanted to impeach the Governor.
The 26 lawmakers consequently elected Edison Ehie, as the new Speaker of the House.
Addressing newsmen after a brief plenary of the house at a chamber within the Government House, Port Harcourt, the new Speaker, Ehie, promised to ensure justice and fairness in the legislation process.
He said: “The House just rose from plenary and with all humility I must thank my colleagues, 26 Assembly members, who have just elected me as the new Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.
“My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be just and fair to all and sundry. And I will ensure that the rule of law takes its course.
“I will not betray my colleagues and Rivers people and I will not betray my constituency. I will also ensure the independence of the Rivers State House of Assembly is adhered to, with mutual respect to the judiciary and executive arms.
“Everything due my colleagues as honourable members, constitutionally will be given to them. The honourable members who have been suspended will also be given a fair hearing.
“The Committee of Information will publish the names of those suspended. The House has also urged the Committee on Petitions to give them a fair hearing.
“The House has adjourned sine die because the Parliamentary Association of Nigeria has served us a notice of indefinite strike from Abuja. So we cannot sit again. It means any sitting can’t hold water. The court is there; if you are aggrieved should approach the court.”
