The current plenary session of the 10th Assembly in Rivers State is being led by the factional Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Ehie Edison, who is known for his loyalty to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. According to reports, Governor Fubara is set to present the 2024 state budget of 800 billion naira to the assembly today. This development is the latest in the ongoing political battle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
On Tuesday, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt declared Ehie Edison as the legitimate Speaker of the Assembly, issuing a restraining order that prevents Hon. Martins Amaewhule, allegedly backed by Wike, from claiming leadership. The court also extended the restraining order to Dumle Maol, thereby preventing him from parading as the Deputy Speaker. Additionally, the court prohibited the use of force, including thugs and police officers, to gain access to the Assembly Complex.
On Monday, 27 members of the Assembly defected from the PDP to the APC, citing internal divisions within the party. These defectors, led by Amaewhule, had initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, but the process was ultimately stalled by the intervention of President Tinubu.