The Speaker of the Pro-Fubara Lawmakers Group, Victor Oko-Jumbo, has claimed that the declaration made by the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, which declared the seats of the 25 defected lawmakers vacant, has not been overturned by any court in Nigeria.
Oko-Jumbo argued that this legal standing means that the seats of Martin Amaewhule and the 24 others remain officially vacant according to the Assembly's decision. He noted that despite this, the defectors continue to assert their membership in the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to a contentious situation.
Speaking in a live coverage by Channels TV, Oko-Jumbo stated that on December 11, 2023, Martin Amaewhule and 24 others defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. On December 13, 2023, Honourable Edison Ehie, then Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, declared their seats vacant. This declaration has not been overturned by any court in Nigeria.
( Photo credit : Channels Television Verified Facebook Page )
In his own words, he remarked, "As the whole world knows, on the 11th of December 2023, Martin Amaewhule and his 24 friends defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress. On the 13th of December 2023, Honourable Edison Ehie, as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, declared the seats of Martin Amaewhule and the 24 others in the Rivers State House of Assembly vacant.
The declaration made by Edison Ehie on the 25 lawmakers has not been set aside by any court in Nigeria. Despite their defection from the PDP to the APC and their seats being declared vacant, Martins Amaewhule and the 24 others continue to parade themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly."
Click on the link below and watch the video starting from 1:09 minute mark
https://youtu.be/fMTuDVYK21w?si=8AcvWPukQfwdnBaK