Rivers crisis: Lawmakers declare seats of pro-fubara lawmakers vacant

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has declared the seats of Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and three other pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant due to prolonged absenteeism.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Amaewhule revealed that Ehie, who had been absent for 152 consecutive days, failed to properly notify the Assembly of his appointment as Chief of Staff, prompting the declaration of his seat as vacant.

In a similar move, the Assembly held three separate votes concerning lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others who had also missed 152 days of sitting without official notification or permission. Their absenteeism violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The Rivers State Assembly resolved to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections within 90 days to fill the now-vacant seats, ensuring representation for the affected constituencies.

Additionally, the House agreed to grant Governor Fubara another opportunity to present the 2024 Appropriations Bill. This follows the Appeal Court’s nullification of the N800 billion budget initially presented to a parallel Assembly led by Edison Ehie. The legislative body emphasized the need for proper procedure as the state moves forward with its fiscal plans.