RIVERS ASSEMBLY DECLARES PRO-FUBARA LAWMAKERS' SEATS VACANT AMID 152-DAY ABSENCE
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has taken a significant decision, declaring the seats of four pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant, including Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The reason? Their continuous absence from sittings for 152 days.
According to Amaewhule, Ehie's failure to formally notify the house of his new office led to the declaration of his seat as vacant. Similarly, Victor Oko-Jumbo and two other lawmakers were deemed absent without permission or notification, violating the 1999 constitution. The House held separate votes to solidify this decision.
The Assembly has agreed to inform INEC to conduct elections within 90 days to fill the vacant seats and ensure representation for the affected constituencies. In another development, Governor Fubara will get another chance to present the 2024 Appropriations Bill, following the Appeal Court's nullification of the initial N800bn bill presented to a parallel House led by Edison Ehie.
This decision comes amidst the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, with the Fubara group previously declaring the seats of 27 allegedly defected lawmakers vacant. The situation remains complex, with multiple factions vying for control.
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