Chief Edwin Clark, a respected elder statesman, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill 27 vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. In an open letter, Clark explained that the seats became vacant after some lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), violating Section 109(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution.
According to Clark, INEC has a constitutional duty to organize these by-elections without delay. He urged the commission’s chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to take immediate action to uphold democratic principles and protect the rule of law.
The political tension in the Rivers Assembly stems from opposing views within the legislative body. Former Speaker Martin Amaewhule and his faction have declared the defected lawmakers’ seats vacant, stating it aligns with the constitution. On the other hand, current Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo’s faction argues that the lawmakers should retain their seats.
Oko-Jumbo, aligning with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, said, “The seats belonging to former Speaker Amaewhule and others are vacant following their switch from PDP to APC.”
Governor Fubara reinforced this position, stating, “We have only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.”
Amaewhule countered by declaring the seats vacant, citing constitutional provisions for accountability. “We are acting within our constitutional rights to ensure accountability among lawmakers,” he said.
Clark Urges INEC Action
Clark reminded INEC of its responsibilities under Section 118 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates the commission to organize elections for vacant seats. He expressed concerns that ignoring such constitutional provisions could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“It is mandatory on INEC to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats in the RSHA,” he said.
In his letter, Clark also criticized public officials who disregard the constitution, warning that continuous violations of the law could harm the nation’s stability and push Nigeria toward becoming a failed state.
“Nigerians are asking what is happening, particularly the defiance of the number one law of the country, the Constitution, which binds the nation together,” he said.
Clark’s appeal has added more pressure on INEC to address the political crisis in Rivers State and ensure that the electoral process remains fair and transparent.
“There cannot be a government in any country if the Constitution that binds everyone together is being bastardized. God forbid. This will not happen because the Nigerian people will defend it,” Clark asserted.
