Rivers Assembly Crisis: Ehie Emerges New Speaker

The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly took a different twist on Monday afternoon after about 26 members of the House were said to have held plenary at which Hon Edison Ehie was elected the new Speaker following the suspension of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaehwule.
Addressing newsmen after the session which took place within the Government House, Port Harcourt, the new Speaker, Rt Hon. Ehie, promised to ensure justice and fairness in the process of legislation.
He said: “The House just rose from plenary and with all humility I must thank my colleagues, 26 Assembly members, who have just elected me as the new Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.
“My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be just and fair to all and sundry. And I will ensure that rule of law takes its course.
“I will not betray my colleagues and Rivers people and I will not betray my constituency.
“I will also ensure the independence of the Rivers State House of Assembly is adhered to, with mutual respect to the judiciary and executive arms.
“Everything due my colleagues as honourable members, constitutionally will be given to them. The honourable members that have been suspended will also be given a fair hearing.
“The Committee of Information will publish the names of those suspended. The House has also urged the Committee on Petitions to give them a fair hearing.
“The House has adjourned sine die because the Parliamentary Association of Nigeria has served us a notice of indefinite strike from Abuja. So we cannot sit again.
“It means any sitting can’t hold water. The court is there; if you are aggrieved should approach the court.”