The Rivers State House of Assembly has denounced a resolution passed by 25 former members, led by Martin Amaewhule, who defected from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023. The former members, no longer recognized as part of the House, attempted to restrict the Governor’s authority and threatened a government shutdown.
Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo declared the resolution null and void, stating that:
– The former members’ seats were declared vacant by the court, and they are no longer entitled to salaries or allowances.
– The legitimate House has been receiving statutory allocations and paying salaries and allowances to recognized members and staff.
– The 2024 Appropriation Bill was already passed and assented to by the Governor in December 2023, making the former members’ resolution unnecessary and invalid.
The Speaker emphasized that the Rivers State House of Assembly, under his leadership, is the only legitimate and recognized legislative body in the state. He urged the public to disregard the actions of the former members, who are attempting to cause confusion and chaos in the state.
Furthermore, the Speaker called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite the conduct of a bye-election to fill the vacant seats created by the defection of the former members. This, he said, will ensure that the people of Rivers State are adequately represented in the House and that the democratic process is maintained.
In conclusion, the Rivers State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to serving the people of the state and has dismissed the unfounded resolution by the former members. The Speaker’s statement has put to rest any confusion caused by the former members’ illegal actions and has reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly.