Suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, have travelled to the United Kingdom for what has been described as a legislative tour.
The lawmakers, whose political face-off with Governor Siminalayi Fubara once threatened a major crisis in the state, had gone quiet following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which calmed tensions and prevented a possible breakdown of law and order.
Despite their suspension, reports indicate that the lawmakers and their families continue to reside in the official legislative quarters in Port Harcourt.
In a statement signed by the Speaker’s Special Assistant on Media, Martins Wachukwu, the Assembly leadership confirmed the lawmakers’ departure, noting that the tour officially commenced on Friday in Central London.
Speaker Amaewhule, while declaring open the 10th Rivers State Assembly Legislative Tour, explained that the programme aims to expose members to global best practices in legislative procedures and governance.
The theme for the first day of the five-day event was “Legislative Dynamics in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems.”
Participants expressed confidence that the tour would enhance their legislative oversight functions through peer learning and exposure to international standards.
According to the statement, the tour is the third capacity-building initiative undertaken by the Assembly under its current leadership, all without financial support from the Rivers State Government.
“These programmes, including the ongoing tour, are fully sponsored by concerned leaders of the state, who have continued to support the Assembly in the face of prolonged and unconstitutional non-funding by the suspended Governor,” the statement read.
The lawmakers extended gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other leaders under the Rivers State Elders Council, acknowledging their steadfast support.
They also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their continued trust and promised to remain focused on delivering their mandate. Speaker Amaewhule encouraged the public to remain peaceful and cooperate with the current Sole Administrator in the state.