Rivers Assembly Reaffirms Vacant Seats Amid Defection Dispute

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, has reiterated its stance on the vacancy of 25 legislative seats. This decision follows the defection of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Assembly maintains that these seats must be filled through by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Recently, the Amaewhule-led faction declared the seats of Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and three other pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant, citing their 152-day absence.

Oko-Jumbo clarified that the 25 seats were initially declared vacant on December 13, 2023, by then-Speaker Edison Ehie. He criticized INEC's inaction since then, enabling "Amaewhule and associates" to create distractions.

Oko-Jumbo emphasized, "The defection of Amaewhule and 24 others on December 11, 2023, was widely reported... This fact cannot be erased." He urged INEC to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats and called on Nigerians to disregard Amaewhule's actions.

The Rivers Assembly has faced controversy since the October 29, 2023, explosion at the complex, leading to suspensions. However, the status of these suspended members remains unclear.