FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has hosted suspended Rivers State Assembly lawmakers in the United Kingdom, where they are reportedly attending a “legislative capacity building” tour
This Wike Rivers lawmakers UK meeting occurs amidst political tensions in Rivers State following their suspension.
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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, hosted suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the United Kingdom on Monday.
The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are in the UK for what has been described as a “legislative capacity building” tour.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed the meeting in a post on X.com, stating that the minister hosted the lawmakers for dinner.
He also noted that Wike had travelled to the UK on Sunday night after visiting political associates in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers lawmakers’ trip to the UK follows their suspension by President Bola Tinubu on March 18th, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule had declared the 10th Rivers Assembly Legislative Tour of the United Kingdom open on Friday, claiming that the tour aimed to enhance the lawmakers’ capacity by exposing them to international best practices.
The timing of the UK trip and Wike’s involvement has raised eyebrows, given the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The meeting between Wike and the suspended lawmakers has fueled speculation about the minister’s role in the state’s political affairs.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense, with the suspension of key state officials and the assembly members’ overseas trip adding to the political uncertainty.
