Rivers Assembly Reinstates Three Fubara-Aligned Lawmakers After Peace Deal

Three legislators aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara have regained their Assembly seats after the Rivers State House of Assembly reversed a prior decision declaring their positions vacant. Victor Oko-Jumbo of Bonny Constituency, Sokari Goodboy Sokari of Ahoada West Constituency, and Timothy Oruibienimigha of Opobo/Nkoro Constituency were reinstated following their suspension during an earlier political dispute.

Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule presided over the formal restoration process, which occurred during Monday's plenary sitting based on letters of appeal submitted by the suspended members. A reconciliation initiative between Governor Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike, who heads the Federal Capital Territory, precipitated the reinstatement.

On Sunday, both officials convened at Fubara's private residence in Port Harcourt, bringing along their respective political allies. The gathering focused on resolving the factional tensions that had produced the suspension and the threatened vacancy declarations against the trio.

What emerged from these talks directly influenced the Assembly's action on Monday to reverse the earlier punitive decisions. In their appeal documents, the three lawmakers expressed regret and claimed insufficient notification regarding their suspension status and any subsequent lifting of restrictions.

Assembly members voted to support the peace arrangement during Monday's plenary session, demonstrating backing for the reconciliation framework negotiated by Fubara and Wike. This development reshapes the fractured dynamics that had characterized the legislative body during the crisis period.

The constituencies represented by the restored members span Rivers State: Bonny, Ahoada West, and Opobo/Nkoro collectively form their district base. By reinstating these pro-Fubara lawmakers, the Assembly has signalled a possible easing of tensions between competing political camps that have sought dominance within the state's governance structures since the governor's inauguration.