Crack in Wike's camp as lawmakers disagree over car gift to Speaker
ACRACK seems to have appeared in former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike’s camp as the 26 lawmakers loyal to him have allegedly disagreed on the essence of their continued support to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
A source close to the lawmakers disclosed that some of them have begun to query what they are benefitting for standing with Wike when none of them are no longer able to implement their constituency projects since the political crisis began in the state as they are starved of funds whereas the lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara are implementing theirs.
According to the source, the Minister allegedly bought an SUV bullet- proof vehicle for the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, a development that has triggered arguments during a sit- out among the lawmakers as they queried why only the Speaker would be the only beneficiary for the gesture from the Minister when they were all in the struggle.
The source said: ‘ The gift of bullet- proof SUV to only the Speaker has caused serious altercations and disagreement among the lawmakers during a sit- out with Tonye Adoki, the representative for Port Harcourt Constituency II, raising concerns on the kind of fight they are fighting without benefits.”
It was learnt that Wike got wind of the information and scolded the lawmaker, while some said the lawmaker who leaked the information to Wike was beaten.
BUT in a swift reaction, an aide to the member representing Akuku- Toru Constituency II in the Rivers House of Assembly, Lolo Isaiah Opuende, denied that he was physically assaulted by another member, Adoki in the melo drama that ensued between the lawmakers.
He said: “I categorically state that this information is completely false, baseless, and an attempt to discredit the good reputation of Opuende and the 10th House of Assembly of Rivers State. I was shocked to come across this misleading message on Whatsapp groups, Facebook, and even Twitter ( X), and immediately reached out to Opuende for clarification.
“During my video call with Opuende, he confirmed that he is in excellent health. Furthermore, he emphasised that he has never been involved in any altercation or disagreement with him.”