ADC faults Rivers Assembly over reversal of lawmakers’ sack
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, has faulted the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reverse its earlier resolution declaring the seats of three lawmakers vacant, describing the…
The dispute is the latest flashpoint in the long-running political crisis in Rivers State, which has pitted Governor Siminalayi Fubara against a faction of lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The rift, which began over control of the state assembly and legislative allegiance, previously led to defections, an attempted impeachment process, and months of political tension that drew in the presidency and the courts before an uneasy truce was brokered.
The latest controversy centres on the Rivers State House of Assembly's decision to declare vacant, and subsequently reverse the vacancy declaration on, the seats of three lawmakers believed to be aligned with Governor Fubara. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state has questioned the legal basis for the about-turn, with Tribune Online and Vanguard both reporting the party's objection, though Vanguard additionally notes claims that affected lawmakers had already been notified before the reversal. Neither report yet details the Assembly's official explanation for reversing course or the precise rules governing seat vacancy declarations under the relevant electoral and constitutional provisions.