Fresh images have surfaced online showing the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly currently in the United Kingdom.
The photos, which began circulating on social media on Sunday, April 6, have sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians, with many speculating that the lawmakers are on vacation pending their return to office.
Contrary to these assumptions, however, reports confirm that the lawmakers, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, are in the UK to attend a five-day legislative training program. The initiative is focused on equipping them with advanced knowledge of governance and parliamentary procedures, particularly under the theme: “Legislative Dynamics in Presidential and Parliamentary Systems.”
The training, which commenced on Friday, is being held in Central London. It features a series of intensive workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at strengthening their legislative capacity and broadening their understanding of institutional governance.
Organizers say the program is designed to improve the lawmakers’ effectiveness in their legislative duties and ensure they return with refined skills to better represent the people of Rivers State.
This development comes in the wake of a political crisis in Rivers State, which prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. During a nationwide broadcast at 7 p.m., the President announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly.
President Tinubu explained that the drastic decision was taken due to the failure of both the Governor and Deputy Governor to request a presidential proclamation under Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), amid escalating tensions and legislative deadlock in the state.
He stated:
“Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State… and the Governor and Deputy Governor having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation… it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution… to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025.”
Following the declaration, the affected officials were suspended for an initial period of six months.
Despite their suspension, the lawmakers appear undeterred as they continue to engage in capacity-building activities abroad. The recently released group photos underscore their participation in the UK training program, although public perception remains divided.
Some citizens on social media argue that the lawmakers should not be engaging in international programs while suspended, while others believe that legislative training is necessary and could contribute to better governance upon their reinstatement.
The situation in Rivers State continues to evolve, with many awaiting further developments on the political crisis and the fate of the suspended officials.
