Rivers State House of Assembly Reaffirms Stance on Vacant Legislative Seats

The ongoing political drama in Rivers State, Nigeria, took a new turn recently as the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly reaffirmed its stance that the legislative seats of factional Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 24 others remain vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development has sparked controversy, with both sides presenting different narratives. However, the Amaewhule-led Assembly has maintained that the seats must be filled through a by-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to reports, the Amaewhule-led Assembly, on Tuesday, declared the seats of Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Edison Ehie, and three other pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant, citing their absence from sittings for 152 days. During the plenary, Amaewhule stated that Ehie failed to properly notify the House of his new office, leading to the declaration of his seat as vacant.

The Assembly also cited that Oko-Jumbo and the two others were absent from sittings for 152 consecutive days without notification or permission, violating the 1999 Constitution. The decision to declare their seats vacant was made after three separate votes.

Reacting to the development, Pro-Fubara Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo stated that the 25 legislative seats were initially declared vacant on December 13, 2023, by the then-recognised Speaker, Edison Ehie. He expressed frustration with INEC’s delay in conducting by-elections to fill the vacant seats, stating that it has allowed “Amaewhule and his committee of friends” to create unnecessary distractions.

Oko-Jumbo slammed INEC for its failure to act since December 13, 2023, and called upon the commission to fulfill its constitutional duties to the people of Rivers State by organising the required by-elections.

The disagreements between the two sides raise questions about the legitimacy of the vacant seats and the role of INEC in resolving the issue. While opinions are divided, the outcome will have significant implications for the political landscape of Rivers State and the country as a whole.

In light of this development, it is essential to monitor the situation closely, as the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the people of Rivers State and the nation.