Rivers Assembly Reinstates Fubara Allies, Reverses Decision to Declare Seats Vacant

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reversed its decision to declare the seats of three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara vacant, paving the way for them to return to the legislature amid renewed efforts to ease the state’s political crisis.

The affected lawmakers are Victor Oko-Jumbo, representing Bonny Constituency; Sokari Goodboy Sokari of Ahoada West Constituency; and Timothy Oruibienimigha of Opobo/Nkoro Constituency. The Assembly reconsidered their cases during plenary on Monday, October 19, after receiving appeals from the three legislators.

In their letters to the House, the lawmakers apologised for failing to resume legislative duties after their suspension was lifted in December 2023. They explained that they had not received official communication notifying them that the suspension had ended.

The Assembly had declared their seats vacant in October 2025 over their continued absence from legislative sittings. It subsequently asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the constituencies.

However, the lawmakers’ appeals prompted a fresh consideration of the earlier decision. Following deliberations during Monday’s plenary, members voted to rescind the declaration, effectively reopening the way for the affected legislators to return to the House, subject to the completion of any necessary legislative procedures.

The reversal comes amid renewed reconciliation efforts involving Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, the Assembly leadership and other political stakeholders. Their disagreements have contributed to prolonged political tensions in Rivers State, including disputes over legislative authority and the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The latest decision could help reduce tensions by resolving one of the outstanding disputes involving lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, its longer-term impact will depend on whether the political actors involved can sustain dialogue and prevent further confrontations over governance and legislative representation.

For now, the Assembly’s reversal marks a significant development in Rivers State’s continuing political crisis. Whether it signals a lasting reconciliation or a temporary easing of tensions will become clearer as the lawmakers’ return and broader political negotiations progress.