Rivers Assembly Reverses Vacant Seats Declaration for 3 Fubara Allies

By: Ganiyu Olayinka

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reversed its decision to declare vacant the seats of three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, clearing the way for their return to the legislature.

The lawmakers are Victor Oko-Jumbo (Bonny Constituency), Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West Constituency) and Orubienimigha Timothy (Opobo/Nkoro Constituency).

In a statement on Monday, the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, said the move followed apology letters submitted by the three. According to the statement, they told the House they did not resume sitting because they never received communication that their suspension had been lifted on December 20, 2023, after presidential intervention.

The Assembly had suspended four lawmakers on October 30, 2023, during the political crisis in the state, and the suspension was lifted on December 20, 2023, following a presidential parley. After the three allegedly failed to resume duties, the House declared their seats vacant on October 15, 2024, and notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections.

The Assembly said its latest decision came after deliberations on the lawmakers’ appeals, with members voting to rescind the earlier resolution. Speaker Martin Amaewhule then directed the three to resume sitting and rejoin their colleagues in legislative activities.

The development comes amid fresh efforts to resolve differences between Fubara and his predecessor and political rival, Nyesom Wike. On Sunday, Wike led members of the Assembly and the 23 local government chairmen to a closed-door meeting at Fubara’s private residence. The meeting reportedly involved the Magnus Abe-led reconciliation committee and members of the Rainbow Coalition. Sources said it aimed to settle outstanding differences between the two ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike has been named coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.