River’s Political Turmoil: Pro-Fubara lawmakers elect factional speaker

In a startling turn of events, a new factional Speaker has emerged in the Rivers State House of Assembly, amid the state’s ongoing political crisis.

Victor Jumbo, a close supporter of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has been voted as the new Speaker by a group of parliamentarians who support the embattled governor.

Jumbo, who represents the Bonny Constituency in the state House of Assembly, is one of four MPs who have been firm in their support for Governor Fubara during the chaotic period of political instability.

Jumbo’s emergence follows the resignation of former factional Speaker Edison Ehie, who led the pro-Fubara lawmakers before stepping down in response to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to mediate the feud between Governor Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Ehie’s departure signaled a fundamental shift in the political scene, paving the door for Jumbo to become Speaker.

This development highlights the deep splits within Rivers State’s political establishment, as factions compete for power and influence amid rising tensions.

A source in Government House in Port Harcourt, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, verified Jumbo’s election as Speaker, revealing that it occurred during a session conducted in Port Harcourt earlier on Wednesday.

While the exact implications of Jumbo’s election remain unknown, it clearly marks a new chapter in Rivers State’s continuing power struggle, with far-reaching consequences for the state’s political destiny.

As the situation evolves, all eyes are set on the state House of Assembly, where the battle for control continues.