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The Rivers State House of Assembly has reversed its declaration of vacancy for the seats of three members representing Opobo/Nkoro, Bonny and Ahoada West constituencies—Hon. Timothy Oruibienimigha, Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo and Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari—effectively recalling them.
At Monday’s 68th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Tenth Assembly, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, the House vacated the order. The Speaker read apology letters from the lawmakers, who said they did not receive formal notice that their suspension—imposed on 30 October 2023—had been lifted on 20 December 2023 after presidential intervention.
Members debated the letters and unanimously backed clemency in the interest of constituency representation and legislative harmony. Amaewhule said preliminary findings suggested the members may not have been duly notified, adding that the House was guided by justice and fairness. The rescission motion was then put to vote and unanimously adopted.
Four members were suspended on 30 October 2023 during the state’s political crisis, and the suspension was lifted on 20 December 2023 following the presidential peace parley. After their continued absence, the House on 15 October 2024 declared their seats vacant under Section 109(1)(e)(f) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution and notified INEC to conduct by-elections.
