The ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a dramatic turn as prominent elder statesman Edwin Clark has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding urgent action to fill 27 vacant seats in the Assembly. In a formal letter to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Clark emphasized the critical importance of addressing the political vacuum that has left thousands of Rivers State constituents without proper representation.
In his letter, Clark underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “The prolonged absence of representation deprives the people of their rightful voice in governance.” He further stressed that this issue not only affects Rivers State but mirrors a wider national problem, with several other states across Nigeria also grappling with vacant legislative seats.
Clark’s petition comes amid mounting frustration and political unrest in the region, where the lack of full legislative representation has left many citizens questioning the efficacy and accountability of their elected officials. As the state and its people continue to face critical issues that require legislative attention, the absence of a fully functioning Assembly has sparked calls for immediate intervention.
The crisis has raised questions about INEC’s role in ensuring timely electoral processes. Clark pointed out that INEC has a constitutional duty to conduct by-elections in states with vacant seats, emphasizing that the prolonged delay undermines the democratic process and leaves citizens disenfranchised. “It is not just an issue for Rivers State, but a matter of national concern. We urge INEC to act swiftly and restore the people’s trust in the electoral system,” he added.
This petition is a rallying cry for Nigerians who feel their voices have been silenced by political instability. Observers have noted that the delay in filling these vacancies has stoked tensions and could further inflame the political landscape in Rivers State, which has seen its fair share of governance challenges in recent years.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on INEC to see how it responds to Clark’s call for immediate by-elections. The question remains: will the electoral commission step up to restore political balance in Rivers State, or will the crisis deepen, leaving the people without the representation they deserve?
The pressure is mounting, and only time will tell if the calls for action will be answered, not just in Rivers State, but across Nigeria, where vacant legislative seats remain a pressing issue.
PIONEER NEWS 