The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a caution regarding the handling of vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly, following allegations made by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The governor accused INEC of selectively carrying out elections to fill vacancies resulting from political defections, particularly amid the ongoing factional crisis within the Assembly.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Commission clarified that the matter is still sub judice, with several court cases, including those pending before the Supreme Court, awaiting final resolutions.
“We have taken note of a statement attributed to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in which the Commission was accused of selectively implementing elections to fill vacancies caused by defections of sitting members of the National and State Assembly from one political party to another. Although no specific instances of this alleged selective action were provided, the statement accused the Commission of deliberately failing to address vacancies resulting from the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where two factions are competing for control.
“In this crisis, a number of lawmakers have declared the seats of 27 members vacant, and vice versa,” said Oyekanmi.
The Commission acknowledged its awareness of the situation but emphasized that the matter remains before the courts, and as such, is sub judice. INEC stated that acting before the courts issue a ruling could lead to the unnecessary wastage of public funds and might result in the invalidation of any actions taken.
The Commission further cautioned against making misleading statements that could mislead the public, especially when the issue is still under legal examination.
