Political tensions rose in Rivers State on Thursday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara paid an unannounced visit to the Assembly Quarters amid continuing issues with the State House of Assembly.
The quarters, which serve as the official housing for the state’s 32 legislators, also house the temporary chambers of the Martin Amaewhule-led state Assembly following the demolition of the main assembly building.
Governor Fubara, accompanied by a convoy of uniformed and civilian aides, briefly inspected the premises before departing to check the Emohua-Kalabari road, which is set to be inaugurated as part of his first anniversary celebrations next week.
Governor Fubara expressed satisfaction with the road project’s implementation and emphasized its significance.
Governor Fubara noted that the purpose of the visit to the Assembly Quarters was to review the facilities in light of the new Speaker’s emergence, implying that improvements may be required.
“Isn’t the Assembly part of my responsibility? Is there anything wrong with seeing how things are going there? You are aware of the progress; we have a new speaker, and I went there to see for myself how things are going because there may be a few things I can do there for the benefit of our people,” Governor Fubara said.
His visit coincided with a new issue in the Rivers State House of Assembly. On Wednesday, state lawmakers loyal to the governor elected Victor Oko-Jumbo, who represents the Bonny district, as their Speaker.
Oko-Jumbo, is one of the four lawmakers who have been loyal to Governor Fubara since the beginning of the state’s political crisis.