BREAKING: Fubara-Aligned Lawmaker Takes Helm As Rivers State Speaker Amid Impeachment Threat

Fubara-aligned lawmaker Victor Oko Jumbo assumes Rivers State Speaker post amid impeachment threats, affirming loyalty. Shift follows defections, with opposition urging Governor’s removal.

In a significant political maneuver, lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara convened on Wednesday to elect Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo as the new Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

VerseNews reports that this decision unfolded just 48 hours after Governor Fubara challenged the legitimacy of the majority 27 Members of the House, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amidst escalating tensions, the opposition APC swiftly instructed its members in the state Parliament, now the majority, to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Governor.

In response to the mounting pressure, a group of lawmakers gathered and elected Rt. Hon. Jumbo, a seasoned representative from Bonny Constituency, as the new Speaker.

Oko’s ascension marks the third Speaker under the current administration, succeeding Hon. Edison Ehie and Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

The reshuffle didn’t stop at the Speaker position; Hon. Sokari Goodboy also emerged as the new Majority Leader of the Assembly during the Wednesday session.

Expressing his unwavering loyalty to Governor Fubara, Speaker Oko affirmed that the newly constituted assembly would collaborate closely with the Governor and the people of the state.

In his address to journalists following his inauguration in Port Harcourt, Oko emphasized transparency, community engagement, and public involvement in legislative proceedings.

With Oko’s oath-taking, the political landscape in Rivers State witnesses a pivotal moment amidst the looming threat of impeachment and the delicate balance of power between rival political factions.