Hon. Edision Ehie, the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has submitted his resignation, leaving the political landscape of the state in disarray.
Ehie, formerly the majority leader of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, faced suspension following a failed impeachment process initiated against Governor Similanayi Fubara. After his suspension, Ehie boldly declared himself as the factional speaker with the support of four Assembly members.
The resignation, dated December 29, 2023, and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), intriguingly omitted the reason behind this sudden decision. However, Ehie expressed gratitude to his colleagues and constituents for their support throughout his tenure.
The political plot thickens as Daily Trust suggests that Ehie's resignation may be linked to an eight-point resolution established during a recent peace meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. This resolution, involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Fubara, and other key stakeholders, reportedly recommended that Ehie step aside for a pro-Wike Speaker, Martins Amaehwule.
Speculation arises regarding the connection between Ehie's resignation and the political dynamics influenced by the eight-point resolution. The governor's presentation of the State's 2024 appropriation bill to a select group of Assembly members, led by Ehie, his loyalist, adds further intrigue.
As Rivers State grapples with this unexpected political development, questions surrounding the motivations behind Ehie's resignation and its potential repercussions on the state's governance linger. The aftermath of this resignation is anticipated to unfold in the coming days, casting a shadow over the already tense political climate in Rivers State.