The political crisis rocking Rivers State has taken a fresh dimension with the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Ehie Edison resigning as the Speaker of the Assembly.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Ehie also quit as a member of the State Assembly,

Ehie said he had resigned as the member representing Ahoada-East Constituency II in the 10th Assembly.

The letter obtained by HorizonTimes on Sunday buy dated 29th December, 2023, reads: “This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada – East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.

“I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently."

“Kindly accept the assurances of my highest esteem at all times,” the letter adds.

This development might not be unconnected with the resolution reached by the governor and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike at a meeting facilitated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The president in the 8-point proclamation directed that Martins Chike Amaewhule should be recognised as the Speaker of the House while the actions taken by Ehie Edison-led House such as the 2024 budget approval be repeated.

The political crisis ravaging Rivers State followed a prolonged disagreement between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, political godfather and now Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The political crisis escalated between October 29 and 30, this year, when the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly was burnt, following alleged moves to impeach Fubara.

This led to the emergence of two factional speakers – Matins Amaehule, who is loyal to Wike; and Edison Ehie, a strong supporter of Fubara.

However, as the crisis exacerbated, 27 members of the house said to be loyal to the Minister, Wike announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).