In a controversial move, Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and his group in the Rivers State House of Assembly have criticized the order from the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly to prevent Governor Siminalayi Fubara from receiving public funds. Channels Television reports that during Tuesday’s plenary session, Oko-Jumbo criticized the Amaewhule faction, which had earlier announced a spending freeze until the 2024 budget was presented.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Oko-Jumbo argued that Amaewhule and his 24 supporters, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023, lacked the legal standing to enforce such a restriction.
He asserted that their seats had been rightfully declared vacant by the courts, thereby invalidating their actions within the Assembly.
Furthermore, Oko-Jumbo emphasized the constitutional provision that automatically enforces seat vacancy upon defection, bolstering his faction’s legitimacy as the recognized governing body of the Assembly.
He reminded the public that Governor Fubara had previously submitted and had his budget approved under the leadership of Edison Ehie, who now serves as his chief of staff.
Calling for the prompt conduct of bye-elections to fill the vacant seats, Oko-Jumbo dismissed Amaewhule’s decree as baseless and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to expedite the process.
The ongoing power struggle underscores deep-seated political tensions in Rivers State, with implications for governance and legislative operations.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
