In a significant development that has raised eyebrows across Nigeria’s political landscape, a delegation of suspended lawmakers known for their allegiance to former Rivers State Governor and current Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has departed for the United Kingdom on what sources describe as a “legislative exchange programme.”
The controversial foreign trip comes amid an intensifying political crisis that has seen the lawmakers suspended from parliamentary duties following a protracted power struggle within the state’s legislative assembly, which has split into factions along political loyalty lines.
KIIN360 investigations reveal that the delegation, comprising seven suspended legislators, departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport yesterday evening aboard a commercial flight bound for London.
The lawmakers have reportedly scheduled meetings with members of the British Parliament and Nigerian community leaders in the diaspora.
Hon. Chibudom Ihunwo, who leads the delegation, defended the trip when contacted by journalists at the airport: “This journey represents standard legislative diplomacy. Despite our current suspension, which we maintain is unconstitutional, we remain elected representatives with responsibilities to build international partnerships that benefit our constituencies.”
Political observers note that the timing of the visit carries significant implications given the ongoing constitutional crisis in Rivers State. Dr. Emmanuel Nwachukwu, political scientist at the University of Port Harcourt, told KIIN360:
“This foreign engagement appears strategically timed to internationalize the Rivers political dispute and potentially gain external stakeholders’ sympathy ahead of anticipated legal battles.”
The state government has reacted sharply to the development, with the Commissioner for Information questioning the propriety of suspended lawmakers representing the state in international forums.
“These individuals currently lack parliamentary standing to engage in legislative diplomacy. Their actions potentially misrepresent our state to international partners,” the commissioner stated in a press release.
Meanwhile, supporters of the lawmakers gathered at a solidarity rally in Port Harcourt, insisting that the suspensions remain illegal and unconstitutional. Community leader Chief Barinem Kpobari told assembled supporters: “These elected representatives enjoy the full confidence of their constituencies.
Their suspension represents political persecution rather than legitimate parliamentary discipline.”
Legal experts have expressed divided opinions regarding the constitutional implications of suspended lawmakers undertaking foreign engagements in semi-official capacities.
Barrister Folake Adeyemi noted: “The situation inhabits a grey area in our parliamentary practice, as suspension affects legislative functions but not necessarily representative status.”
The British High Commission in Nigeria has maintained diplomatic silence regarding the visit, with officials declining to confirm whether formal meetings with UK government representatives have been scheduled.
As Nigeria’s complex political environment continues evolving with increasingly intricate alignments and confrontations between key political figures, the Rivers State situation represents a microcosm of larger power dynamics playing out across the nation’s governance structures.
