Despite their ongoing political rift, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara extended birthday wishes to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, also the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on Wednesday.
Fubara shared his message on his social media platform: “I congratulate my Oga, His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, Life Bencher, Immediate Past Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on his 56th birthday today, December 13, 2023.”
Read also Rivers assembly crisis deepens as Ehie declares 27 defectors’ seats vacant
Fubara’s birthday greeting comes amidst escalating tensions between the two political figures, which have divided the state’s House of Assembly.
Two rival factions, one led by Martin Amaewhule, believed to be loyal to Wike and the other by Edison Ehie, aligned with Fubara, have been vying for control of the Assembly. This rift has resulted in chaotic events, including attempts to impeach Governor Fubara.
Read also Rivers N800bn budget in limbo as bulldozers demolish assembly building
Wike’s birthday coincided significantly with the state government’s demolition of the Assembly complex. While the demolition was ongoing, Ehie, presiding over a sitting inside the Government House, declared the seats of Wike’s loyalists vacant after they defected from the PDP to the APC on Monday.
Further adding to the political turbulence, Governor Fubara presented the 2024 budget, titled “Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity,” to the House on the same day.
Read also Rivers govt demolish State Assembly complex
The governor presented the N800 billion budget before the five assembly members loyal to his administration.
The budget presentation was held at a hall in the Government House due to the demolition and renovation work at the state assembly complex, which started Wednesday morning.
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