Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday declared the seats of four members vacant due to their prolonged absence from legislative sessions.
In a letter dated October 15, 2024, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike formally notified the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting swift action to ensure the people have active representation in the Assembly.
New Telegraph reports that the decision aligns with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, specifically, Section 109(1)(e) and (f), allowing for vacancy declarations if members are absent for over a year without cause.
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The affected members are Edison Ogerenye Ehile (Ahoada East Constituency II), Adolphus Timothy Orubienimigha (Opobo Constituency), Victor Oko Jumbo (Bonny Constituency), and Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West Constituency).
It would be recalled that Ehile had vacated his seat to serve as Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Amaewhule emphasized that the absences violated the Constitution and compromised the representation of the affected constituencies.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections to fill the vacancies promptly.
This development is the latest in the ongoing assembly crisis, which has seen multiple defections and controversies.
The Assembly’s decision demonstrates its commitment to upholding constitutional provisions and ensuring effective representation for the people of Rivers State.
