The members of the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be serving six months initial suspension imposed by the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have surfaced in the United Kingdom for what they termed ‘10th legislative tour’, forcing many to wonder if the lawmakers were still working.

Now, the faction of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) backed by both the FCT Minister and the National Working committee (NWC) has commended the tour, calling the 27 lawmakers heroes of democracy.

The commendation came via a statement signed by Vincent Gbosi, the Director General, Rivers APC New Media Team who also said he is the State Public Relations Officer of the Renewed Hope Family.

The faction further commended what they called the initiative and the move behind the ‘5-Day Legislative Tour’ of the members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly to the United Kingdom. “To us, this is necessary in strengthening their capacity, broadening their horizon, and further equipping them for greater efficiency for the task ahead.”

The statement expressed commendation to Nyesom Wike who they termed the untiring State coordinator of the Renewed Hope Family in Rivers State for “his demonstrated love towards Rivers State, and for Rivers people with his fatherly role in the promotion and restoration of peace in Rivers State, and for the growth and development of the State.”

News broke in Rivers State that on Friday, 4th day of April, 2025, that; “The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Chike Amaewhule, declared open the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly Legislative Tour of the United Kingdom.”

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Many wondered if the speaker was still in any position to declare any state function open anywhere.

The statement sent home by Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant On Media To The “Speaker’, said the speaker spoke at the opening ceremony.

Quoting Amaewhule, the media aide said the legislative tour would afford the House the opportunity to learn new things outside the shores of Nigeria which would in turn improve the legislative capacity of members for the task ahead.

“The opening ceremony which represents Day One of a 5-day tour, took place in Central London and focused on “Legislative Dynamics in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems”.

Principal Officers and members of the House who allegedly spoke at the opening ceremony expressed optimism that the tour would provide another opportunity for peer review and gainful insights for parliamentary oversight.

“This legislative tour brings to three, the total number of capacity-building programmes organized by the leadership of the House without funding from Government.

“These programmes including the present tour are 100% sponsored by concerned leaders of the State who have remained supportive of the House despite the prolonged, provocative, and unconstitutional non-funding of the House by suspended Gov Siminalaye Fubara.

“In this regard, the House used the opportunity of the opening ceremony to express immense gratitude to the political leader of Rivers State, (Wike) and other political leaders under the umbrella of the Rivers State Elders Council who have continued to stand by them 10th Assembly members prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon their lives and endeavours.

“Finally, Mr. Speaker seized the opportunity of the closing remarks to extend the appreciation of the House to Rivers people for their confidence in the House and their continued support.”

Most persons in Rivers State say the FCT is bankrolling the 27 lawmakers that defected but won the right to approve the state’s budget at the Supreme Court.