By Laraba Ajibda
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has dismissed claims by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, that it is being selective in filling vacant legislative seats caused by political defections.
In a statement on Friday, February 28, 2025, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, clarified that the commission is aware of the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly but cannot take any action while the matter is still in court.
“While no specific instances of the alleged selective action were presented, the statement specifically accused the Commission of deliberate failure to fill the vacancies resulting from the protracted crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly where two factions are jostling for control. In the midst of the crisis, three or so lawmakers have declared the seats of 27 members vacant and vice versa,” Oyekanmi said.
He further explained that the commission has been joined in multiple lawsuits at different levels of the judiciary, including the Supreme Court.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission has been joined in several suits filed by litigants at various courts, including the Supreme Court. Under the circumstances, the Commission must await the final judicial pronouncement on the matter before it embarks on a puerile exercise that may eventually amount to a nullity and a waste of public funds,” he stated.
Oyekanmi also cautioned public officials against making misleading statements that could damage public trust in institutions.
“We urge people occupying high public offices to be circumspect in their public statements before they mislead the public and cast aspersion on public institutions, particularly where they are aware of the pendency of cases in court,” he added.
The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has led to a power struggle between two factions, with both sides declaring each other’s seats vacant. INEC has maintained that it will only act after the courts make a final decision on the matter.