In what seems to be another twist to the political crisis rocking Rivers State, the member representing Bonny State Constituency, Victor Oko-Jumbo, has been declared as the new Speaker of the House of Assembly.
Oko-Jumbo, who is said to be one of the lawmakers loyal to Governor Sim Fubara, was reportedly elected at a plenary session held on Wednesday.
The development which comes a day after Governor Fubara had declared the Rivers State House of Assembly as non-existent once again splits the Assembly into two factions with one group loyal to the Governor and the other loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In his acceptance speech, Victor Oko-Jumbo thanked members of the Assembly for electing him as the new Speaker, sequel to the resignation of the former Speaker, Ehie Edison, who has been appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor.
He adds that his emergence is in line with section 92(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Oko-Jumbo declared that all laws, plenary sessions and actions taken by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly are void and a nullity in the eyes of the law citing the 1961 judgement of Lord Denning in the celebrated case of MacFoy versus UAC.
He also calls on the executive arm, the Judiciary, and the general public to disregard every law purportedly enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly because they all amount to nothing but an exercise in futility.
Speaking to newsmen after plenary, Oko-Jumbo says he would stay true to his constitutional duties and work assiduously for the growth and development of Rivers State and the people.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
