The Rivers State House of Assembly has declared the seats of the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, vacant
Recall that 27 lawmakers loyal to the former governor of the state and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC in the state on Monday.
This is coming on the heels of the ongoing political crisis between the incumbent governor, Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
But Assembly, led by factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, loyal to the state governor, on Wednesday, said the decision to declare the seats vacant was in line with Section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
Ehie, in a firm and resolute tone, emphasized that there is no conflict within the PDP that warrants defection of any lawmaker in the House.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct fresh elections to fill the vacant seats, asserting the need for the rightful representation of the people
The Speaker, also read the names of the lawmakers affected.
“Distinguished colleagues, the House will duly inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly and indeed, to conduct a fresh election to fill the above vacancies,” Ehie declared.
The 27 Lawmakers were however absent at Wednesday sitting.
