Rivers Assembly Reinstates Three Pro-Fubara Lawmakers

The Rivers State House of Assembly has recalled three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reversing its earlier decision to declare their seats vacant amid the prolonged political crisis in the state.

During plenary on Monday, Speaker Martin Amaewhule announced the reinstatement of Victor Oko-Jumbo (Bonny Constituency), Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West Constituency), and Timothy Oruibienimigha (Opobo/Nkoro Constituency).

The lawmakers had been suspended in October 2023.According to a statement from the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the decision followed letters of appeal submitted by the lawmakers, who apologized for their absence from legislative sittings.

They claimed they were unaware that their suspension had been lifted in December 2023 after a presidential intervention.

Amaewhule noted that while the House must act based on law rather than emotion, members voted in favor of rescinding the earlier resolution, allowing the lawmakers to resume their seats.

The recall comes after a meeting on Sunday at Governor Fubara’s residence, attended by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, members of the Assembly, and local government chairmen.

The reconciliation meeting, which also involved Senator Magnus Abe’s committee, sought to ease tensions between Fubara and Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike, who has been appointed coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council in Rivers State and the FCT, is playing a central role in efforts to stabilize the political landscape in the state.