The political crisis in Rivers State escalated on Monday as a group of lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced the impeachment of Speaker Martin Amaewhule and his replacement by Ehie Edison.
The move was seen as a preemptive strike against the growing influence of former governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and a bitter rival of Mr Fubara.
Mr Edison, who claimed to have the support of 26 out of 32 members of the House of Assembly, said he was elected as the new Speaker after Mr Amaewhule was removed for alleged misconduct and incompetence.
However, his claim was disputed by other lawmakers, who told Peoples Gazette that only 11 members were present at the session where the impeachment and election took place.
The Gazette also learned that 15 members had been suspended earlier, leaving only 17 members to form a quorum for any legislative business. It was unclear how Mr Edison and his allies managed to secure the required two-thirds majority to impeach the Speaker and elect a new one.
Meanwhile, rumours swirled that Mr Edison had also recommended the sack of all local government chairpersons and the state’s chief judge, in a bid to consolidate Mr Fubara’s grip on power. The Gazette could not verify the veracity of these rumours, nor whether the governor had approved them.
The impeachment drama came amid reports that some pro-Amaewhule lawmakers were barred from entering the House of Assembly Complex, which was reportedly under heavy security. The plenary session was said to have been held outside the normal schedule and without prior notice to the public.
Mr Edison, a close associate of Mr Fubara, has been involved in the ongoing power tussle between the governor and Mr Wike, who was instrumental in Mr Fubara’s election in March this year. The relationship between the two leaders soured shortly after Mr Fubara assumed office, with Mr Wike accusing him of being ungrateful and disloyal.
Mr Fubara, on his part, accused Mr Wike of trying to undermine his authority and dictate his policies. He also vowed to resist any attempt to remove him from office by any means. He made a defiant appearance at the House of Assembly Complex on Monday morning, shortly before the impeachment saga unfolded.
Mr Wike has not commented publicly on the latest developments in Rivers State, but he has faced severe criticism from his opponents and some civil society groups for allegedly interfering in the affairs of the state. A spokesman for the FCT minister told The Gazette that he had no comment on the matter.
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