The Rivers State House of Assembly has reversed its earlier decision declaring the seats of three lawmakers aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara vacant.
The resolution was adopted during the 68th Legislative Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Tenth Assembly following appeals by Hon. Timothy Oruibienimigha, Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo and Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari.
The affected lawmakers apologised for failing to resume legislative duties after the lifting of their suspension in December 2023, explaining that they were unaware the suspension had been withdrawn.
Following deliberations, members of the House voted to rescind the earlier decision, paving the way for the lawmakers to return and resume representation of their constituencies.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, said available evidence suggested the legislators may not have received official communication informing them of the lifting of their suspension.
He stressed that the decision was guided by fairness and justice rather than political considerations.
The development comes amid ongoing reconciliation efforts between Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose political disagreement had contributed to the prolonged crisis in the state.
Political observers view the recall of the lawmakers as a significant step toward easing tensions and restoring stability within Rivers State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
