Kehinde Fajobi
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has declared the seats of Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and three other lawmakers vacant due to their absence from legislative sessions for 152 days.
During plenary today, Speaker Amaewhule explained that Ehie failed to properly notify the House of his new position, leading to the decision to declare his seat vacant.
“Ehie did not properly write to inform the House of his new office,” the Speaker stated.
The House also held three separate votes to declare the seats of Victor Oko-Jumbo and two other pro-Fubara lawmakers vacant, citing absenteeism for 152 consecutive days without proper notification or permission, a violation of the 1999 Constitution.
The Assembly has agreed to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise elections within 90 days to fill the vacant seats and ensure representation for their constituencies.
Additionally, the House granted Governor Fubara another opportunity to present the 2024 Appropriations Bill.
This follows the Appeal Court’s nullification of the ₦800 billion bill he had previously submitted to a parallel assembly led by Edison Ehie.