Call for By-Elections in Rivers State

Chief Edwin Clark

Chief Edwin Clark, a prominent leader of the Ijaw community, has urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to swiftly organize by-elections for 27 vacant positions in the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA).

In a letter released on Wednesday, Clark pointed out that lawmakers leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) contradicts Section 109(1)(g) of Nigeria’s Constitution.

He expressed concern that the long-standing vacancies are disenfranchising the people of Rivers State, stating, “The ongoing lack of representation denies the people their rightful voice in governance.”

Clark called on INEC to fulfill its duties, stressing the need for decisive action to protect democratic values.

The political strife within the Rivers Assembly arises from conflicting groups. A faction led by former Speaker Martin Amaewhule argues that the seats of the defectors are indeed empty, while the faction under current Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo contests this claim.

Oko-Jumbo, supported by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stated, “The seats held by former Speaker Amaewhule and others are vacated due to their defection from PDP to APC.”

Governor Fubara reiterated this perspective, remarking, “We recognize only one Rivers State House of Assembly, which is led by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.”

Conversely, Amaewhule has insisted that the seats should be considered vacant based on constitutional criteria. He proclaimed, “We are acting within our constitutional rights to ensure that lawmakers are held accountable.”

Clark’s Demand for INEC

Clark underscored that INEC is constitutionally obligated to conduct by-elections in the affected areas.

He referenced Section 118 of the 1999 Constitution that authorizes INEC to arrange elections, cautioning against any interpretations that imply otherwise. “INEC is required to hold by-elections to fill the vacant seats in the RSHA,” he affirmed.

Clark criticized the apparent neglect of constitutional mandates, asserting, “The Constitution is the ultimate law, and any actions that oppose it are null and void.”

His correspondence also highlighted the broader consequences of constitutional violations in Nigeria, accusing officials of eroding the rule of law. “Nigerians want clarity on what is occurring, particularly regarding the disregard for the nation’s paramount law, the Constitution,” he stated.

Clark cautioned that ongoing infractions could lead Nigeria toward a state of failure. “If the Constitution, which unites us, is dismissed, there can be no functioning government. This must not happen because the Nigerian populace will protect it,” he argued.

His appeal is part of a larger call for INEC to resolve the political deadlock in Rivers State.