The political crisis in Rivers State took an international dimension as suspended members of the state House of Assembly were hosted by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in the United Kingdom on Monday. The lawmakers, led by suspended Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are currently in the UK for what has been described as a “legislative capacity building” program.
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, shared photos of the dinner meeting on social media, confirming the minister had traveled to the UK after visiting political allies in Port Harcourt over the weekend. The suspended legislators had departed Nigeria last Friday for the controversial overseas trip, which Amaewhule claimed would enhance their legislative skills.
The UK meeting comes just three weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state assembly. A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), was appointed as sole administrator to oversee the state for six months.
Political analysts view the UK gathering as a strategic move in the ongoing power struggle between Wike and his successor Fubara. “This dinner symbolizes the continued influence Wike wields over state affairs despite federal intervention,” noted University of Port Harcourt political science professor Henry Okah.
The suspended lawmakers’ foreign trip has drawn criticism from civil society groups, with the Centre for Democratic Governance questioning the timing and funding of the UK visit during a state of emergency. Meanwhile, supporters of the suspended assembly maintain the capacity building program was planned before the political crisis escalated.
As the sole administrator prepares to oversee local government elections in June, observers warn the UK meeting suggests the political feud may be far from over, with potential implications for Nigeria’s federal-state relations. The presidency has yet to comment on the lawmakers’ foreign trip or Wike’s involvement.
