Fresh Twist In Rivers Assembly Saga As INEC Dismisses Claims On Edison Ehie’s Resignation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that it rejected Edison Ehie’s resignation as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Reports making the rounds on social media had alleged that the Commission declined Ehie’s resignation, quoting remarks attributed to the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Gabriel Yomere, during a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The reports further suggested that INEC had refused to conduct a by-election to fill Ehie’s seat.

However, in a statement issued by Geraldine Ekelemu, Acting Head of Voter Education and Publicity at the Rivers State INEC office, the Commission clarified that it does not have the authority to declare a legislative seat vacant on its own.

INEC stressed that only its national headquarters can approve the conduct of a by-election, and such an exercise must be triggered by a formal notification from the appropriate legislative authority.

The statement explained that REC Yomere’s comments at the IPAC meeting had been misinterpreted as an official position of the Commission.

“Once a resignation letter has been duly signed and transmitted by the authorised legislative authority—in this case, the Rivers State House of Assembly—the Commission will immediately commence the processes for a by-election, in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act,” the statement read.

Earlier, the Victor Oko-Jumbo faction of the State Assembly had declared Ehie’s seat vacant after his resignation. However, the Supreme Court later ruled that the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly was unconstitutional.

As a result, Ehie legally remains a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly. For his resignation to take effect, he must tender a fresh letter to the Assembly under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, which would then forward it to INEC for a by-election in Ahoada East Constituency II.