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Rivers State Assembly Faces New Turmoil as Pro-Fubara Faction Elects Oko-Jumbo as Speaker

Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 9, 2024

News Views: 222

The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara have chosen Victor Oko-Jumbo, the representative of Bonny constituency, as their Speaker.

Oko-Jumbo, purportedly elected as the new Speaker for the entire 32-member Assembly, assumed office at 10 am during Wednesday’s plenary session, following the protocols outlined in the House’s Standing Order.

Previously, Oko-Jumbo was among the four lawmakers who remained loyal to Fubara amidst the state’s political upheaval. During the crisis, they had initially elected Edison Ehie as the speaker, but he later resigned from the Assembly to serve as the Chief of Staff to the Governor.

The exact number of lawmakers present during the plenary that saw Oko-Jumbo’s election as speaker remains unclear.

Oko-Jumbo was escorted into the plenary with the original mace of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Sergeant-at-Arms, David Wariboko, who presided over the last sitting of the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.

In his acceptance speech, Oko-Jumbo expressed gratitude to the members for choosing him as the new Speaker following the resignation of the former Speaker, Edison Ehie.

He urged the Executive, Judiciary, and the public to disregard any legislation purportedly enacted by the Amaewhule-led Assembly, labeling it as futile.

Following the defection of the former lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oko-Jumbo highlighted the legal implications and emphasized that all actions taken by the “illegal House members” are null and void.

He cited legal precedents and judgments to support the position that the current Assembly is the legitimate legislative body recognized by law.

Oko-Jumbo concluded by urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara to cease all interactions with the defected lawmakers, asserting the readiness of the Assembly to collaborate with the Governor for the progress and welfare of Rivers State.