Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker declares seats of 25 defectors vacant

The Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Edison Ehie has announced that the seats of the 25 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the All Progressives Congress vacant.

Speaking on the floor of the house on Wednesday, December 13, Mr Ehie noted that he received notice from the 25 members of their decision to defect.

According to him, as per the constitution, any individual who defect from political parties upon which they won election, must vacate the seat.

He said;

“We received formal notice from 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of their defection from the PDP to the APC. While we respect the rights of Nigerians to freedom of association, as a legislative body, it is incumbent that we uphold the law. The 1999 constitution is clear on the fate of individuals who defect from political parties upon which they won election, in line with this, I hereby declare the seats of the 25 members vacant,” the Speaker said.

Rivers Crisis: I Declare the Seats of 25 Defectors Vacant - Edison Ehie

We received formal notice from 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly of their defection from the PDP to the APC. While we respect the rights of Nigerians to freedom of association, as a… pic.twitter.com/zdYmFyuxnj

— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) December 13, 2023