The Rivers State House of Assembly has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of vacant seats in five constituencies, calling for by-elections to fill the positions.
In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman and signed by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, the following constituencies have been declared vacant:
1. Ahoada East Constituency II
2. Opobo Constituency
3. Bonny Constituency
4. Ahoada West Constituency
The decision follows the absence of the affected members from legislative activities for over a year. The seats were vacated under Section 109 (1)(f) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the declaration of seats vacant after prolonged absenteeism without justified reasons.
The legislators whose seats were declared vacant are:
– **Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie** (Ahoada East Constituency II) — currently serving in the Executive arm as the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor.
Hon. Adolphus Timothy Orubienimigha
(Opobo Constituency)
Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo (Bonny Constituency)
Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West Constituency)
The Assembly emphasized the need for new representatives to ensure proper representation for the affected constituencies, urging INEC to conduct the by-elections promptly.
