Minister Nyesom Wike hosted suspended Rivers State lawmakers in the UK for a legislative training dinner, sparking mixed reactions. Critics question the use of public funds, while supporters view it as a vital opportunity for skill enhancement. The visit has stirred debate over accountability and political motives.
In an unexpected political development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, hosted a dinner for the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the United Kingdom. The meeting, captured in a video shared by Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, took place just days after Wike left Nigeria for a brief visit to Port Harcourt, where he met with political allies.
According to Olayinka, the suspended lawmakers were in the UK for a "Legislative Capacity Building" program aimed at strengthening their parliamentary skills. The five-day tour, which commenced in Central London, has been presented as an opportunity for peer review and a deeper understanding of parliamentary practices. Martins Wachukwu, media assistant to the Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, confirmed that this tour is part of an effort to enhance the lawmakers' legislative acumen, despite their ongoing suspension.
However, the dinner has sparked debate among Nigerians, particularly on social media. Critics have questioned the appropriateness of the gathering, especially considering the ongoing tensions surrounding the lawmakers' suspension. Some argue that the event undermines the accountability of elected officials, while others have expressed concern over the use of public funds for what they perceive as a political maneuver.
Reactions have been divided, with some applauding Wike's initiative to improve legislative capacity, while others see it as an unnecessary distraction from pressing local issues. As the dinner takes center stage in both national and international discussions, questions continue to mount regarding the political implications of such high-profile gatherings.
