Amaewhule-led Assembly declares pro-Fubara Lawmakers seats vacant

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has declared the seats of Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and three other pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant due to their absence from legislative sittings for 152 consecutive days.

During a plenary session, Amaewhule highlighted that Ehie failed to formally notify the House of his new role, leading to the declaration of his seat as vacant. The Assembly conducted separate votes to declare the seats of Victor Oko-Jumbo and two other lawmakers vacant, citing their extended absence without permission or notification, which contravenes the 1999 Constitution.

In response to the vacancies, the Assembly resolved to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections to fill the vacant positions within 90 days, ensuring proper representation for the affected constituencies.

Additionally, the House agreed to allow Governor Fubara another opportunity to present the 2024 Appropriations Bill, following the Appeal Court’s nullification of the previously submitted N800 billion budget to a parallel House led by Edison Ehie.