Decision Follows Appeals, Renewed Reconciliation Efforts Between Wike and Governor
Port Harcourt, Rivers State -October 20, 2026
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Rivers State House of Assembly has rescinded its earlier decision declaring the seats of three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara vacant, paving the way for their return to the legislature.
The decision was taken during plenary on Monday, October 19, 2026, following appeals submitted by the affected lawmakers to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
The lawmakers are Victor Oko-Jumbo, representing Bonny Constituency; Sokari Goodboy Sokari, representing Ahoada West Constituency; and Orubienimigha Timothy, representing Opobo/Nkoro Constituency.
According to reports, the lawmakers explained in their letters that they had not received or seen official correspondence notifying them that their suspensions had been lifted. They appealed to the House to reconsider its earlier decision declaring their seats vacant.
After deliberations, members of the Assembly voted to reverse the declaration, allowing the three lawmakers to resume their legislative duties.
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The lawmakers were among those suspended in October 2023 during the political crisis that divided the Rivers State House of Assembly between supporters of Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Their suspensions were lifted in December 2023 following an initial reconciliation initiative involving President Bola Tinubu. However, their continued absence from legislative sittings led the Assembly to declare their seats vacant on October 15, 2025.
The Assembly subsequently approached the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct by-elections to fill the positions.
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The latest decision comes amid renewed reconciliation efforts involving Wike, Fubara, the Assembly leadership and local government chairpersons in the state.
On the eve of the Assembly’s decision, Wike led lawmakers and local government chairpersons to a reconciliation meeting with the governor in Port Harcourt, according to media reports.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the Rivers political crisis, which began in 2023, has involved disputes over control of the legislature, political appointments and the relationship between the governor and his predecessor.
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Although the reversal marks a significant development in the dispute, it remains to be seen whether the renewed reconciliation efforts will produce lasting political stability and stronger cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
