Suspended Rivers Lawmakers Embark On UK Tour
Suspended members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, have travelled to the United Kingdom for a legislative tour.
The lawmakers, who had earlier attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara before President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, had maintained a low profile since their suspension.
Despite their suspension, it was gathered that the lawmakers and their families continue to occupy the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt.
In a statement signed by Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, the Speaker confirmed that the legislators had departed Nigeria and commenced the tour.
Amaewhule officially opened the five-day UK Legislative Tour on Friday, describing it as an opportunity to enhance the legislative competence of the House through international exposure.
The opening ceremony, which took place in Central London, focused on Legislative Dynamics in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems.
Some principal officers and members who spoke at the event expressed hope that the programme would provide valuable insights for parliamentary oversight and peer learning.
According to the statement, this marks the third capacity-building programme organised by the House leadership without government funding.
“These programmes, including the current tour, are fully sponsored by concerned leaders in Rivers State who have continued to support the House in spite of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s unconstitutional refusal to fund the legislature,” it stated.
The House expressed deep appreciation to the political leader of the state, Nyesom Wike, and other members of the Rivers State Elders Council for standing by them.
Lawmakers offered prayers for their benefactors and extended their gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their trust and support.
Amaewhule urged residents to remain peaceful and continue supporting the Administrator overseeing the state.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
