Pro‑Fubara lawmakers to resume as Assembly rescinds decision to declare seats vacant

…Wike deepens reconciliation with Fubara loyalists

The Rivers State House of Assembly has rescinded its October 15, 2025 decision that declared the seats of three pro‑Fubara lawmakers vacant, clearing the way for their return to the chamber.

Victor Oko‑Jumbo (Bonny), Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West) and Orubienimigha Timothy (Opobo/Nkoro) were suspended on October 30, 2023 during the political crisis that engulfed the state, pitting Fubara’s supporters against Nyesom Wike’s loyalists.

The Assembly’s decision on Monday followed a letter dated October 16, 2026 from the three lawmakers asking to be recalled. The letters were read during plenary on Monday.

The House had on October 30, 2023 suspended the three lawmakers for alleged misconduct. Their suspension was lifted on December 20, 2023 after the first peace meeting initiated by President Tinubu between Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Governor Fubara.

However, after the Oko‑Jumbo‑led lawmakers failed to attend sittings following the lifting of their suspension, their seats were declared vacant on October 15, 2025 in line with section 109(1)(e) of the constitution.

The House also wrote to INEC to conduct bye elections to fill the vacant seats.

Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the State Assembly, during plenary on Monday read a letter from each of the three lawmakers saying they never saw the letter lifting their suspension, which was why they did not attend sittings, and appealing that the House rescind its decision.

After debate, the House decided to rescind its decision to declare their seats vacant, thus paving the way for their return.

The move further strengthens the Nyesom Wike‑led Rainbow Coalition’s bid for reconciliation with those loyal to the state governor.

Wike on Sunday led his loyalists on another visit to Fubara’s private residence to meet the governor and his team for a second time.

The meeting came less than two weeks after an earlier one between political leaders loyal to the minister and Governor Fubara, aimed at consolidating ongoing reconciliation efforts in the state.

Wike led a delegation that included mainly members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, among them Martin Amaewhule, the 23 local government council chairmen, and Kingsley Chinda, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).