The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly, nosedived on Monday as two rival factions of the House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo convened separate sessions.
The Amaewhule-led faction, which aligns with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued an ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding the re-presentation of the 2024 budget within seven days.
A court order initially declared the seats of the pro-Wike lawmakers vacant, but it was later overturned by the Appeal Court last week, recognising their legitimacy.
The controversy between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike and current FCT Minister has continued unabated, throwing the state into political tensions.
On Sunday night, the faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, which is loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, invited a new commissioner-nominee, Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, to appear before it on Monday for screening and confirmation as a member of the State Executive Council.
The invitation was extended through a letter written by the Clerk, Dr. G. M Gillis-West.
The pro-Fubara lawmakers met in a makeshift chamber at the Government House in Port Harcourt, while the pro-Wike lawmakers gathered at the official State Assembly quarters on Aba Road, also in Port Harcourt.
Fubara had earlier presented the budget to the House loyal to him when his current Chief of Staff Edison Ehie presided as the Speaker.
Ehie and the other pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates, and the governor signed the bill into law.
He stated that it is aimed at promoting economic development, inclusive growth, and addressing socio-economic inequality in the state.
