Wike vs Fubara: Assembly faction elects new speaker, sacked state’s Chief Judge

 

 

 

 

A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to embattled state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has elected a new Speaker, Ehie Edison.

 

Edison, the former Majority leader of the Assembly, declared himself the new speaker with votes from about eight lawmakers.

 

The action followed a move by at least 24 lawmakers loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remove Governor Fubara.

 

The pro-Fubara lawmakers suspended the pro-Wike lawmakers including the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Chibuzor Amadi. They directed Governor Fubara to appoint an Acting Chief Judge immediately.

 

Recall that 24 of the 32 member-House of Assembly, earlier removed Edison and proceeded to launch impeachment proceedings against the governor on Monday morning.

 

Addressing the media after emerging as factional Speaker, Edison said he would be fair and just to all.

 

“I will ensure that the rule of law takes its cause. I will not betray my colleagues, I will not betray Rivers people and I will not betray my constituents. I will also ensure that the independence of the Rivers State House of Assembly is adhered to with mutual respect to the judiciary and executive.”

 

 

He said the Assembly under his leadership will give fair hearing to the pro-Wike lawmakers who were suspended.

 

“Everything that is due to honourable members constitutionally will be given to them, including the lawmakers who have been suspended. The House has urged the House Committee on petitions to give them fair hearing. The House has also adjourned sine die because PASAN (Parliamentary Association of Nigeria) has served us notice of indefinite strike from Abuja.”