By Milcah Tanimu
During its session on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the Rivers State House of Assembly elected Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, representing Bonny State Constituency, as the new Speaker. The Assembly also invalidated all actions taken by the factional Assembly led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule, considering them null and void in the eyes of the law. They further urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to cease interactions with the former lawmakers who lost their seats due to defection.
In his address to the house, Speaker Rt. Hon. Oko-Jumbo explained that his ascension followed the resignation of Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenya Ehie, aligning with constitutional provisions. He expressed gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him and pledged to collaborate with colleagues to advance the state’s interests.
Speaker Oko-Jumbo highlighted a period of legislative turbulence since the Assembly’s last session in December 2023, attributing it to actions by the former members led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule. He emphasized the awareness among the former members regarding constitutional implications of their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following this, Speaker Ogerenye Ehie declared their seats vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions, citing ongoing legal disputes over their defection.
The Speaker referenced legal precedent, including the MacFoy v UAC case, to underscore the nullity of actions taken by the illegitimate Assembly. He urged governmental bodies and the public to disregard any legislation from the illegal Assembly, stressing its lack of legal standing. Additionally, he called upon Governor Fubara to refrain from engaging with the former lawmakers, asserting the legitimacy of the current Assembly.
After the session, Speaker Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo urged the people of Rivers State to rally behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, vowing the Assembly’s full support for the state’s progress. Hon. Sokari Goodboy, Chairman of the Business Committee, echoed this commitment and cautioned against any interaction between the governor and the former lawmakers.
In a surprising development, Assembly Sergeant-at-arms Mr. David Wariboko, previously suspended by the Amaewhule-led faction, resumed duties under Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo’s leadership.