The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a bold step by declaring the seats of 27 lawmakers vacant after their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This decision, announced by Speaker Edison Ehie, marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
Speaker Ehie, in a resolute address during a session held at the temporary hall provided by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, emphasized that the defection of lawmakers was unwarranted, citing the absence of internal conflicts within the PDP as justification for the action taken by the House.
Citing section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, Speaker Ehie underlined the constitutional basis for the declaration of the vacancies. Furthermore, he called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize fresh elections to ensure the rightful representation of the people in the affected constituencies.
In his address to the assembly, Speaker Ehie articulated, “Distinguished colleagues, the House will duly inform the Independent National Electoral Commission of the vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly and indeed, to conduct a fresh election to fill the above vacancies.”
The absence of the 27 lawmakers who remained loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike during Wednesday’s sitting underscores the gravity and implications of the declared vacancies.
This significant development in Rivers State serves as a clear indicator of the political dynamics at play and the staunch commitment to upholding constitutional provisions in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. The upcoming fresh elections will undoubtedly be closely watched as the state navigates through this pivotal juncture in its political journey.
