The political landscape of the Rivers State House of Assembly witnessed a significant upheaval as the factional Speaker aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ehie Ogerenye, submitted his resignation, relinquishing both the role of Speaker and his position as a lawmaker.
The crisis deepened as Ogerenye’s departure was formally communicated through a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing his voluntary resignation from the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.
The resignation extends to his membership representing Ahoada-East Constituency II.
In the letter, Ogerenye expressed gratitude to his colleagues and constituents for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged to continue contributing his best to the service of Rivers State in the future. The unexpected move has left many speculating about the underlying dynamics within the Assembly.
The timing of Ogerenye’s resignation coincides with the aftermath of political mediation efforts led by President Bola Tinubu.
The influential political figure intervened in the ongoing discord between Governor Fubara and his political mentor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Following an 8-point resolution, Tinubu directed the recognition of Martins Chike Amaewhule as the new Speaker of the House.
Moreover, as part of the resolution, actions previously taken by Ogerenye, such as budget presentations, are set to be revisited, injecting a wave of uncertainty into the Assembly’s proceedings.
The developments signal a turbulent chapter for Rivers State politics, with repercussions that are likely to reverberate beyond the confines of the legislative chamber.