The political crisis in Rivers State escalated over the weekend as two factions of the State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo, held parallel sittings in different locations.
The Victor Oko-Jumbo-led group, which is loyal to Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, conducted their session at the Auditorium Administrative Block, Government House. During their sitting, they screened and confirmed eight nominees for the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RSBoPP), including Lawrence Oko-Jaja, SAN, as Chairman of the Board. The nominees promised to bring their expertise to enhance the state's procurement processes.
On the other hand, the Martins Amaewhule-led faction, reportedly aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, held their plenary at the Auditorium, Assembly Quarters, off Aba Road. This group passed the Rivers State Electricity Market Bill, 2024, aimed at improving the state's investment climate and establishing a framework for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. The bill also proposes the establishment of the Rivers State Electricity Commission to enforce consumer rights and obligations.
Amaewhule's faction emphasized the bill's potential to attract foreign investment and improve the electricity market in the state. They expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would assent to the bill.
The parallel sittings underscore the deepening political divide in Rivers State, with both factions advancing their agendas independently. The situation remains tense as both groups vie for control of the legislative process.
