Rivers Assembly Declares Pro-Fubara Lawmakers’ Seats Vacant

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has declared the seats of four lawmakers, including Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, vacant due to their absence from assembly sittings for 152 days. This decision was made on October 15, 2024, as reported by various sources on X (formerly known as Twitter). The assembly cited their continuous absence without notification or permission as violating the 1999 constitution, thus deeming their seats vacant. This move is part of an ongoing political tussle within Rivers State, reflecting divisions between factions loyal to Governor Fubara and those aligned with former Governor and now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Governor Fubara has previously stated that despite legal challenges, the seats of lawmakers who defected to the APC were considered vacant by operation of law, not requiring a court order for validation. This recent declaration by the assembly further escalates the political crisis, with implications for governance and legislative activities in Rivers State. The assembly has also indicated plans to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections to fill these now vacant seats within 90 days, aiming to restore full representation. This situation underscores the deep political divisions and the legal and procedural battles within the Rivers State political landscape.