Rivers State is once again at the heart of a political storm as lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike launch a separate investigation into the violent attacks on local government secretariats on October 7th.
This new probe, led by Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, represents a direct challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The October 7th attacks saw several local government secretariats across the state destroyed in a violent outburst triggered by the swearing-in of newly elected local government chairmen.
Amaewhule’s move to investigate the attacks is seen as politically motivated, driven by his allegiance to Wike, who is currently at odds with Governor Fubara.
The timing of this investigation is significant. The Governor had already set up a seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry to look into the same incident, and its report was submitted just days ago.
Amaewhule, however, is not backing down and insists that the House of Assembly also has a duty to investigate the events that unfolded on that fateful day. His faction has directed the House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions to hasten the submission of its findings on the disturbances.
“We have the constitutional right to investigate this matter,” said Amaewhule. “The 1999 Constitution gives the House the power to conduct investigations, and we intend to use this power to get to the bottom of the violence that rocked our local government secretariats.”
Amaewhule’s call to action has intensified the political tension between his faction and Governor Fubara. The Governor has pledged to act on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission, which is expected to provide solutions to the destruction of public property in the state.
The crisis that erupted on October 7th was a result of violent clashes as new local government chairmen attempted to assume office. The riots, which involved the burning and vandalizing of several council secretariats, sent shockwaves through the state.
This violent confrontation is just one of many signs of the growing political divide between the factions loyal to Wike and Fubara. Since Fubara assumed office as Governor, there have been increasing tensions between the two camps, with disagreements over the direction of the state’s leadership.
For months, Wike’s loyalists have accused Fubara of neglecting the legacies of the former governor, including the effective administration of local governments. The October 7th attack on the secretariats was seen as the culmination of this political friction, a dramatic symbol of the ongoing power struggle in Rivers.
In the wake of the destruction, Fubara swiftly set up a commission to investigate the matter and take necessary actions. Yet, Amaewhule’s faction appears intent on making its own mark, further deepening the rift.
“We cannot ignore the facts,” said Amaewhule’s spokesperson, Martins Wachukwu, in a statement. “This investigation will provide a clearer picture of what happened and hold those responsible accountable.”
The move by Amaewhule’s faction is a bold step in asserting political independence from the state governor. The rivalry between Wike and Fubara has been well-documented, and this new investigation is a reminder of how personal and political interests are playing out in the Rivers State government.
Amaewhule’s supporters have been vocal in their criticism of Fubara, believing that the governor has failed to represent their interests adequately. The ongoing tension is now spilling over into the legislative arm of government, where the Speaker has made it clear that the House of Assembly will not sit idly by.
