The political crisis in Rivers State has once again deepened, as the House of Representatives Caucus from Rivers State remains sharply divided over the ongoing power struggle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara.
The caucus has split into two factions. One group, led by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, supports Martin Amaewhule, the Wike-backed Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The other group, led by Awaji Abiante, supports Governor Fubara and the current Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
On February 17, 2025, the Chinda-led caucus visited Rivers State and called on security agencies to help Amaewhule reclaim the Speaker’s seat, citing Supreme Court rulings. However, on February 24, 2025, the Abiante-led faction countered the visit, insisting that Amaewhule and his allies had lost their seats after defecting from the PDP in December 2023.
Legal expert Sogboye Eli backed the Abiante-led caucus, arguing that the law is clear on defection. Citing Supreme Court precedents, the group maintained that defecting lawmakers automatically lose their seats, meaning Amaewhule and his colleagues are no longer recognized members of the House.
“The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that lawmakers who defect from their elected party lose their seats immediately.
