Edwin Clark Blasts Rivers Assembly Over Vacancies, Demands Urgent By-Elections

Elder statesman, Edwin Clark, has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to promptly conduct by-elections to fill the 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an open letter on Wednesday, Clark cited the lawmakers’ defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a violation of Section 109(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution.

He expressed concern over the prolonged vacancies, stating, “The absence of representation denies the people their rightful voice in governance.” Clark further called on INEC to fulfill its constitutional duty and act decisively to uphold democratic values.

The political standoff in the Rivers Assembly stems from disputes between factions. Former Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s faction maintains that defectors’ seats are vacant, while Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo’s faction, aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, disputes this claim.

Speaker Oko-Jumbo argued, “The seats held by former Speaker Amaewhule and others are vacant following their defection to APC.” Governor Fubara supported this position, stating, “There is only one Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.”

Amaewhule countered by asserting the right to declare the seats vacant, citing constitutional provisions to ensure accountability. “We are exercising our constitutional mandate to maintain accountability,” he said.

Clark emphasized INEC’s obligation under Section 118 of the 1999 Constitution to organize elections for the affected constituencies, warning against inaction. “It is imperative for INEC to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant RSHA seats,” he insisted.