Rivers Assembly gets new Speaker
Story by Uchechi OGBUEHI-DANIEL, Lagos
In a move that solidifies Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s grip on the Rivers State House of Assembly, lawmakers loyal to the governor have elected Hon Victor Oko Jumbo as the new Speaker.
Jumbo took the oath of office on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his tenure as the factional Speaker.
In his acceptance speech, Jumbo vowed to collaborate with Fubara, stating that he has instructed the Clerk of the Assembly to inform the executive of the new leadership.
The development comes amid a political rift between the Governor and the previous Speaker, Hon Martin Amaewhule, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with other lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike.
Fubara had refused to recognize the Amaewhule-led Assembly, claiming it has ceased to exist legally.
