Rivers Assembly declares 27 defected lawmakers’ seats vacant

In a decisive move, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Edison Ehie, has declared the seats of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant. The Speaker made this significant announcement during a session held at a temporary venue provided by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Ehie, with unwavering conviction, stressed that there was no internal conflict within the PDP justifying the lawmakers’ defection, citing the relevant constitutional provisions. He invoked Section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, to legitimize the declaration.

Calling upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Speaker urged the electoral body to conduct fresh elections to ensure the vacant seats are promptly filled. This move aligns with the commitment to uphold the democratic representation of the people.

It’s noteworthy that the 27 lawmakers, believed to be loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, were conspicuously absent during the Wednesday sitting, marking a significant development in Rivers State’s political landscape.