ADC Demands Legal Explanation for Rivers Assembly’s Reversal on Vacant Seats

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has asked the State House of Assembly to provide the legal basis for reversing its declaration that the seats of Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy Sokari and Timothy Oruibienimigha were vacant. In a statement signed on October 20 by state publicity secretary Chizy Enyi, the party called on Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule to explain the reversal, which followed apology letters and explanations from the lawmakers. The ADC noted that the Assembly had earlier notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections and cited Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution on absences and vacant seats. It also asked whether INEC had formally been notified of the reversal and what effect it would have on the electoral process.