Rivers Assembly Reinstates Lawmakers After Fubara Meeting

The Rivers State House of Assembly recalled three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara: Hon. Timothy Oruibienimigha, Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, representing Opobo/Nkoro, Bonny, and Ahoada West Constituencies respectively. This decision followed a meeting at Fubara's residence in Port Harcourt with Minister Nyesom Wike and their supporters.

The lawmakers had submitted letters of appeal to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, expressing apologies for their absence from legislative sittings, citing a lack of notification regarding the lifting of their suspension from October 30, 2023. During the House's 68th Legislative Sitting, members voted to rescind the earlier decision that had declared their seats vacant.

The Speaker noted that investigations suggested the lawmakers may not have received the relevant correspondence. The suspension was initially lifted on December 20, 2023, following a presidential intervention.