The political crisis rocking Rivers State yesterday took a new twist with Ehie Ogerenye Edison, the recognised Speaker of the state House of Assembly tendering his resignation, while also quitting as a member of the State House of Assembly.
The Nigeria Lawyer gathered that Edison’s notice of resignation was contained in a letter dated December 29, 2023 and addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Edison resigned as a member representing Ahoada East in the Assembly and also the speaker of a group of lawmakers.
Prior to this, Edison was the court recognised speaker loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The letter reads: “This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada – East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.
“I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently.
“Kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem at all times.”
Recall that that this development might not be unconnected with the resolution reached by the governor and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
The president in the 8-point resolution directed that Martins Chike Amaewhule be recognised as the speaker of the House while the actions taken by Edison such as budget presentation be repeated
Recall that a State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, had recently recognised Ehie as the Speaker and restrained Martin Amaewhule and Dumle Maol from parading as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The court presided by Justice M.W Danagogo also restrained the respondents in the matter from interfering with the activities of Edison Ehie as the new Speaker.
In the motion filed by Edison Ehie and registered in suit number PHC/3030/CS/2023, the court also warned against the use of thugs and Police officers to forcefully gain access into the premises of the Assembly Complex.
The judge further warned that if the application turns out to be frivolous, the claimant (Ehie) will be made to pay the sum of N50million as damages to the court.
The matter was adjourned to December 21, 2023 for motion on notice and subsequently adjourned till January 26, 2024 for hearing.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyer