The Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi, has disowned the faction loyal to Governor Sim Fubara, insisting that Martin Amaewhule remains the legitimate Speaker.
In a strongly-worded disclaimer issued on May 8, 2024, Amadi stated categorically that there was no change in the leadership of the House. He affirmed that Amaewhule still holds the position of Speaker, while Dumle Maol and Major Jack remain the Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader respectively.
Amadi’s statement comes amid reports of an attempted leadership change by three suspended members – Victor Oko Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Adolphus Orubimie Timothy – who are reportedly loyal to Governor Fubara.
The Clerk emphasised that these three members were suspended on October 30, 2023, pursuant to the House’s rules, and their suspension has not been lifted. As such, they cannot lay claim to being officers of the House.
Amadi cited a subsisting court judgement in suit no. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023, which restrains the Governor of Rivers State from impeding or frustrating the House under Amaewhule’s leadership in performing its functions.
He further stated that apart from the vacant seat for Khana Constituency II due to the death of the member representing it, no other seat has been declared vacant.
The Clerk affirmed that the House is still conducting legislative business in line with its Standing Orders and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He urged the people of Rivers State and the Nigerian federation to disregard any media reports purporting a recent change in the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyer