Wike Hosts Suspended Rivers Assembly Lawmakers In UK

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), on Monday hosted suspended Rivers assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom.

In a video shared on X, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the minister, said the lawmakers, “who are in the UK for legislative capacity building”, were hosted to a dinner by the minister.

A statement last week by Martins Wachukwu, special assistant on media to Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the Rivers assembly, said the UK tour aims to enhance lawmakers’ legislative skills.

Wachukwu said the five-day tour began in Central London, adding that lawmakers viewed it as a chance for peer review and deeper parliamentary insight.

He added that during the opening ceremony, lawmakers expressed optimism that the tour would enhance peer engagement and offer valuable insights to strengthen parliamentary oversight functions.

Rivers state has been embroiled in political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and Wike, his predecessor.

The rift led to the polarisation of the Rivers assembly. The faction of the house loyal to Wike is led by Amaewhule.

At the peak of the crisis in 2023, an attempt to impeach the governor resulted in the demolition of the Rivers house of assembly.

On March 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Fubara, Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to administer the state.