Rivers Speaker, Ehie Declares Seats Of 27 Defected Lawmakers Vacant
The legally recognised Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie, on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, declared the seats of the lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant.
The development is taking place amid the lingering political crisis in Rivers State between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara which has created so much tension in the State.
The 27 lawmakers believed to be loyal to the immediate past governor of the State and presently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, announced their dumping of the PDP for the APC.
However, Speaker Ehie at the House plenary on Wednesday with only lawmakers loyal to Governor Sim Fubara in session, declared the seats of the 27 defectors vacant.
The Speaker also said during the plenary that the House of Assembly complex was due for repairs as a result of the explosion that rocked it on October 30, 2023.
He announced that Governor Fubara would provide an alternative place for the legislators to sit as a temporary measure pending when the building will be completed.
