Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), hosted suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a dinner in the United Kingdom on Monday.
This follows a meeting he had with his political allies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed the gathering through a Facebook post, stating, “Yesterday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, hosted Rivers State House of Assembly members in the UK for a Legislative Capacity Building program, to a dinner. Wike left Nigeria on Sunday night after meeting his political friends and associates in Port Harcourt.”
The lawmakers were suspended by President Bola Tinubu after he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to security issues.
Governor Sim Fubara was also suspended for six months amidst growing political tensions between him and Wike.
The political turmoil in the state has significantly impacted local governance, including the suspended lawmakers.
However, the Supreme Court intervened, ruling in favor of reinstating the lawmakers and directing Governor Fubara to present the 2024 budget to the Assembly, which is now led by Martins Amaewhule.
Fubara’s attempt to do so was blocked when the lawmakers denied him access to the Assembly complex.
Currently, the suspended lawmakers are in the UK for a legislative capacity-building program.