Rivers State House Recalls Three Vacated Lawmakers

The Rivers State House of Assembly rescinded its decision to declare the seats of three lawmakers vacant during a plenary session on October 19, 2026. Lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sokari Goodboy Sokari, and Timothy Oruibienimigha had been suspended in October 2023 during a political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara. While a presidential intervention lifted those suspensions in December 2023, the House declared the seats vacant on October 15, 2025, citing the members' failure to attend sittings.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule led the vote to recall the members after an investigation indicated the lawmakers may not have received notification that their original suspensions were lifted. The trio had appealed for reinstatement on these grounds.

This legislative reversal follows a reconciliation meeting held Sunday at Governor Fubara's residence. The meeting included Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and the Rainbow Coalition, focusing on resolving political differences before the 2027 general elections.