By Milcah Tanimu

In a recent development, the Victor Oko Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly has publicly denounced resolutions made by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction. Oko-Jumbo, speaking on behalf of the House, declared that Amaewhule and twenty-four others lack the legal authority or ethical basis to pass resolutions restricting the Governor from accessing state funds.

The rift stems from Amaewhule and his colleagues’ defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023. Their seats were subsequently declared vacant by the Edison Ehie-led assembly, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Oko-Jumbo emphasized that the only recognized assembly is the one he leads, urging the public to disregard Amaewhule’s faction’s activities. He also called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite the conduct of by-elections to fill the vacant seats.

The statement outlined the constitutional basis for the vacancy declaration and criticized Amaewhule’s faction for attempting to block state expenditures pending the passing of the 2024 Appropriation Bill, which was already presented and assented to in December 2023.

The Rivers State House of Assembly under Oko-Jumbo’s leadership affirmed its commitment to lawful governance and financial transparency, calling for public support and administrative compliance.

Signed,

Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo
Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly