The political crisis engulfing Rivers State has taken another deepening dimension as lawmakers aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara rally behind Victor Oko-Jumbo, electing him as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
During a plenary session on Wednesday, Oko-Jumbo, representing Bonny constituency, assumed the mantle of leadership in the 32-member Assembly, adhering to the House’s Standing Order.
Amidst a shifting political landscape, Oko-Jumbo’s ascendancy follows the resignation of former Speaker Edison Ehie, a Fubara loyalist, who vacated his position to serve as the Governor’s Chief of Staff.
While the exact number of attending lawmakers remains unclear, Oko-Jumbo’s emergence was underscored by the ceremonial presence of the original Assembly mace, symbolizing authority and continuity.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, he highlighted the Assembly’s commitment to nullify legislation enacted by the prior administration, led by former Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule, deemed invalid due to legal inconsistencies.
“You will agree with me that after the House last sat on the 13th of December, 2023, and adjourned sine dine, there has been an avalanche of legislative rascality perpetrated by the 25 former members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.
“These former members, being fully aware of the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the CFRN 1999, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Party (APC) on the 11th of December, 2023.
“Consequently, the Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie-led Assembly, on the 13th of December, 2023, wrote to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring the seats of the 25 lawmakers vacant in line with Section 109(1)(g) and (2) of the CFRN 1999.
“My distinguished colleagues, there are a plethora of cases pending in our courts further to the defection of the former lawmakers,” Channels TV quoted him as saying.
Oke-Jumbo further urged Governor Fubara to refrain from engaging with the defected lawmakers, asserting the current Assembly’s legal and constitutional legitimacy.
He rallied his colleagues, soliciting their steadfast support in collaborating with Governor Fubara to advance the welfare and progress of Rivers State, underscoring a commitment to legislative stability amidst political turbulence.
“Furthermore, this House would want to most respectfully urge and call on His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, DSSRS, to desist forthwith from further dealings with the 25 former lawmakers, in whatever guise.
“Those members are merely floating and do not have any landing ground or anywhere to berth their ship since their defection to the All Progressives Congress on the 11th of December, 2023.
“This House is the legally and constitutionally recognised House of Assembly by virtue of the defection of the other members, and is ready to receive correspondences from and work with His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Distinguished colleagues, let me thank you once again.
“I know I can count on your unalloyed and unwavering support as we work with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in moving our dear Rivers State forward in promoting the progress and welfare of the State,” he said.
