In a dramatic twist, the Rivers State House of Assembly has declared the seats of four lawmakers, including Edison Ehie, vacant.
The decision came after the lawmakers were absent from assembly sittings for a staggering 152 days.
The announcement was made during a tense plenary session, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was one of the lawmakers whose seat was declared vacant.
Ehie had failed to formally inform the assembly about his new role as the governor’s Chief of Staff.
This failure prompted the assembly to take the bold step of declaring his seat vacant.
The other three lawmakers—Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others—were absent from the assembly for 152 consecutive days.
This absenteeism violated the provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which clearly states that a lawmaker must not be absent for such a long period without notifying the House or obtaining permission.
The Rivers Assembly held three separate votes to decide on the fate of these lawmakers, all of which led to the declaration of their seats being vacant.
According to Speaker Amaewhule, “The House cannot allow such an extended period of absence without consequences. The 1999 Constitution is very clear on this issue. These lawmakers have not only been absent but have also failed to communicate their reasons. This is unacceptable.”
The declaration has sparked political tension in the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters are seen as having a strained relationship with the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
Edison Ehie’s close ties to Governor Fubara make this move significant in the ongoing political tussle between the governor and the assembly.
The relationship between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly has been far from smooth in recent months.
Fubara, who took office as governor in 2023, has faced challenges in consolidating his political power.
His administration has been marked by internal strife, as factions within the state government and legislature battle for dominance.
Edison Ehie, who was a powerful member of the House before being appointed Chief of Staff, is a key ally of Governor Fubara.
Ehie’s appointment was seen as an attempt by Fubara to strengthen his control over state affairs.
However, the decision by the assembly to declare his seat vacant may be seen as a blow to Fubara’s influence within the legislative arm of government.
The other lawmakers affected by this decision also have close ties to the pro-Fubara camp.
With the political tension in Rivers State reaching new heights, observers believe that this latest move could escalate the conflict between the two factions.
The governor’s camp, on one hand, is struggling to assert its authority, while the assembly, under Speaker Amaewhule’s leadership, seems determined to assert its independence.
In accordance with the law, the Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the vacant seats.
The electoral body is expected to conduct fresh elections to fill the now-vacant seats within the next 90 days.
This decision is crucial because the affected lawmakers represent key constituencies in Rivers State.
With their seats now declared vacant, their constituencies are left without representation.
Speaker Amaewhule emphasized the importance of ensuring that the people of these constituencies are not left without a voice in the assembly.
“The people of Rivers State deserve representation. The absence of these lawmakers for such an extended period has deprived their constituencies of that. We must act swiftly to ensure that INEC conducts elections so that the people are not left without representation,” Amaewhule stated.
This development now places INEC under pressure to organize fresh elections for the affected constituencies within the required time frame.
The outcome of these elections will be crucial in determining how political power shifts in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In addition to the declaration of the vacant seats, the Rivers State House of Assembly also addressed another significant issue during the plenary session—the 2024 Appropriations Bill.
Governor Fubara had previously presented the N800 billion Appropriations Bill to a parallel assembly led by Edison Ehie.
However, this bill was nullified by the Appeal Court, citing the irregularities involved in its presentation to a non-recognized assembly.
Following this legal setback, the assembly has now agreed to give Governor Fubara another opportunity to present the 2024 Appropriations Bill in a formal and proper manner.
This decision comes at a crucial time, as the state’s budget for 2024 hangs in the balance.
The Appeal Court’s nullification of the N800 billion budget bill has left the state in a precarious financial position, and a new budget must be presented and approved as soon as possible.
Speaker Amaewhule noted that the assembly is willing to work with the governor to ensure that the budget process proceeds smoothly.
“While we have had our differences with the governor’s administration, the Rivers State House of Assembly remains committed to ensuring the state’s progress. We will give the governor an opportunity to present the Appropriations Bill so that we can move forward with providing services and development for the people of Rivers State,” he said.
