Edison Ehie, an ally of Governor Simi Fubara has been elected as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, RSHA, on Monday.
This brings to an end, the hold of the immediate past governor of the state, Nyesom Wike on the legislature.
Ehie was elected by 26 members of the assembly during plenary, following the suspension of some key officers of the house. Those suspended were mostly allies of the former governor and incumbent minister of the FCT, Wike.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the new speaker emerged after the impeachment of Martins Amaehule, his predecessor, by 26 members of the house.
Ehie briefed newsmen shortly after his emergence where he thanked his colleagues for rising to the challenge and finding him worthy to pilot the affairs of the legislature.
The new speaker promised to discharge his duty without fear or favour and to uphold principles of equity, justice and fairness.
According to him: “My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be just and fair to all and sundry; I will ensure that the rule of law takes its course.
“I will not betray my colleagues. I will not betray Rivers people. I will not betray my constituency.
“I will ensure the independence of the Rivers State House of Assembly is adhered to, with mutual respect for the judiciary and executive arms of government,” he said.
The new elected speaker said that he would give fair hearing to suspended members through the Committee on Petitions.
He equally announced that the House had adjourned sine dine, following a circular served by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), to commence an indefinite nationwide strike.
NAN
