Security has been heightened at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt as lawmakers prepare to resume sitting under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Reports indicate that multiple squads of police officers and operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) were stationed around the Assembly Complex on Monday morning. The increased security presence follows a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly and other elected members to resume legislative activities without interference.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule issued a formal notice for the sitting earlier on Monday, signaling the lawmakers’ readiness to reconvene after a prolonged period of political tension. This development comes just days after the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led group and directed that their activities should proceed unhindered.
The court ruling is seen as a significant victory for the Amaewhule faction amid a prolonged power struggle within the Rivers State political landscape. Observers note that the decision has effectively reinforced the Assembly’s authority to conduct legislative duties without obstruction.
While the exact agenda for Monday’s plenary remains unclear, there is speculation that the session may address critical issues surrounding local government administration in the state. Recent disagreements between the executive and legislative arms of government have centered on control over local councils, with both sides asserting authority over appointments and governance decisions.
Political analysts suggest that the Assembly’s return to plenary could escalate existing tensions between the lawmakers and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. The governor and the Amaewhule-led Assembly have been embroiled in a series of disputes over governance and legislative processes, with each side accusing the other of overstepping constitutional boundaries.
Monday’s sitting is being closely monitored as stakeholders await potential resolutions or new flashpoints in the ongoing power struggle. The increased security presence reflects concerns over possible unrest, as the Assembly’s activities have previously sparked demonstrations and counter-demonstrations from rival political factions.
As the situation unfolds, attention remains on how the Rivers State Assembly will navigate the legal backing provided by the Supreme Court while managing the political dynamics between the legislative and executive branches.