The Rivers State government has directed the redeployment of the clerk of the state assembly, Emeka Amadi and Deputy Clerk, HOD Legislative Department, Calistus Ojirika.

In a letter dated November 20, the state government’s head of civil service asked Messrs Amadi and Ojirika to transfer over to the most senior officials at the Rivers State parliament.

According to the letter titled “Senior Staff Posting” and signed by Inyingi Brown, the Director Service Welfare for the Head of Service, the handovers are to be completed upon receipt of this letter, the Last Pay Certificate (LPC), and the Record of Service.

It further stipulated that the officials’ relocation should start right away.

“The Clerk and Deputy Clerk are to hand over to the most senior officer in the Rivers State House of Assembly while the Assistant Director is to hand over to the most senior officer in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

“All handing-over formalities are to be concluded upon the date of receipt of this letter, and the Last Pay Certificate (LPC) and Record of Service of the affected officers moved to their new place of work without delay,” the letter reads.

The decision comes on the heels of a high-stakes power struggle in the state between the immediate former governor and current FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Both leaders have been at loggerheads over the impending impeachment of Mr Fubara by the House of Assembly due to allegations of misconduct.

On October 29, a fire broke out at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex,  which Mr Wike alleged was done by the governor. 

There have also been factional speakers reportedly loyal to Mr Wike and Mr Fubara.

While Martins Amaewhule, the newly elected speaker of the 10th House of Assembly, is leading members loyal to the FCT minister, lawmakers loyal to Mr Fubara chose the suspended leader of the House, Edison Ehie, as their own speaker.