From Premium Times Nigeria · Saviour Imukudo · · 2m
Rivers Assembly reinstates three pro-Fubara lawmakers
Rivers State Assembly reverses suspension of three lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara.
In brief
Rivers State Assembly reverses suspension of three lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara. Rivers State House of Assembly reinstates three pro-Fubara lawmakers after their seats were declared vacant in October 2024. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Rivers Assembly reverses suspension
Rivers State House of Assembly reversed its decision declaring three lawmakers' seats vacant after their suspension was lifted in December 2023.
Lawmakers loyal to Fubara
The lawmakers are Timothy Oruibienimigha from Opobo/Nkoro, Victor Jumbo from Bonny, and Sokari Goodboy Sokari from Ahoada West.
Appeal to Speaker
The lawmakers submitted letters of appeal to Speaker Martin Amaewhule after their suspension was lifted in December 2023.
Reason for absence
They attributed their continued absence to failing to receive official correspondence notifying them of the suspension lifting.
Political crisis background
The political crisis began in 2023 after Governor Fubara succeeded Mr Wike, splitting the assembly into factions loyal to each.
2023 assembly split
In October 2023, 27 lawmakers backed Mr Wike while four supported Governor Fubara amid an impeachment attempt.
Edison Ehie's role
Edison Ehie led the four-member faction loyal to Fubara and became speaker before resigning in December 2023.
2024 leadership shift
In May 2024, Victor Jumbo emerged as speaker of the pro-Fubara faction after Edison Ehie resigned.
Legal battle outcome
The Court of Appeal reinstated 27 lawmakers and recognized Martin Amaewhule as speaker in July 2024.
2025 Supreme Court ruling
The Supreme Court ruled in February 2025 that the Amaewhule-led Assembly was legitimate, restoring lawmakers' status.
2024 vacancy declaration
In October 2024, the Amaewhule-led Assembly declared the three lawmakers' seats vacant due to continued absence.
State of emergency
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, suspending Fubara and his deputy for six months.
Emergency ends
The state of emergency ended in September 2025, allowing Fubara and suspended officials to return to their positions.
Recent reconciliation
The latest meeting between Mr Wike, lawmakers, local government chairpersons, and Fubara follows Monday's reversal of the vacancy decision.
What happens next
The reversal signals potential progress in reconciling the political crisis after over three years of hostilities.
The short version
Rivers State House of Assembly reinstates three pro-Fubara lawmakers after their seats were declared vacant in October 2024.
