1 month ago
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Rivers State House of Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo has resolved to invoke the provision of the 1999 Constitution against the 25 members of the River State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Assembly also cautioned detractors from interfering with the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The House Leader and member representing the Ahoada West Constituency, Sokari Sokari, stated this while presenting a motion on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance under Section 99 of the constitution, on Wednesday.
Somari said that the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers, by their actions, have continued to undermine the integrity of the House and violate Section 99 of the constitution.
He prayed the House to take necessary steps to halt the unlawful gathering of the former members, who by defecting to another political party, have lost their seats.
On his part, the member representing Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency and Deputy Speaker, Adolphus Orubienimigha, while adopting the motion, urged the House to, without delay, hold the former members accountable and ensure that they face the full consequences of the law, if they continue to parade themselves as lawmakers.
In his speech, the Speaker berated the Independent National Electoral Commission for refusing to conduct bye-elections into the vacant seats since December 11, 2023.
He recalled that the House had, on December 14, 2023, and May 8, 2024, written to INEC to conduct bye-elections to fill the 25 vacant seats but regretted that the request is yet to be granted, adding that another member from Khana had died last year, and his seat has remained vacant.
He, thereafter, called on INEC to, as a matter of urgency, ensure the conduct of bye-elections so that other constituents can be represented.
Meanwhile, the House had approved the appointment of five special advisers.
Reading a letter from the governor during its 64th Legislative Sitting, Oko-Jumbo explained that the appointment of the special advisers into key positions will help accelerate development in the state.
The House subsequently adjourned the sitting to Monday, October 21, 2024.
