Rivers Assembly Restores Seats of Three Lawmakers

The Rivers State House of Assembly has rescinded its earlier decision to declare the seats of three lawmakers, Timothy Oruibienimigha, Victor Oko Jumbo, and Sokari Goodboy Sokari, vacant. This decision followed a peace deal brokered by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

The lawmakers, representing Opobo/Nkoro Constituency, Bonny Constituency, and Ahoada West Constituency respectively, submitted letters of appeal to Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, apologizing for their absence from legislative sittings. They claimed they were unaware that their suspension, enacted on 30th October, was lifted on 20th December.

After deliberation, the House members voted to accept their appeal, allowing the lawmakers to return and represent their constituencies. The initial suspension of the lawmakers was part of a political conflict in the state, which had seen four members suspended during the 84th Legislative Sitting.