Port Harcourt, Rivers State -- Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, has expressed concern over the lack of representation for his constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Following the defection and subsequent loss of seat by former assembly member Martin Amaewhule, Ihunwo is urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election for Ward 1.
"Our people are worried that we do not have a voice in the Rivers State House of Assembly," Ihunwo stated at a media parley. He called on INEC to fill the vacancy, along with the other twenty-six vacant seats in the Assembly.
Ihunwo also addressed the recent Supreme Court proceedings, arguing that the court did not validate the legitimacy of the twenty-seven former lawmakers. He dismissed their celebrations as a misunderstanding of the legal process, asserting that the court's focus was on budgetary matters, not their defection. "The issue of their defection has not yet gotten to the Supreme Court," he clarified.
Regarding the suit challenging his and twenty-two other local government chairmen's election, Ihunwo remains confident. He cited the Court of Appeal's ruling that local government election disputes fall under state jurisdiction, not federal. "We are not perturbed," he declared.
Ihunwo voiced his strong support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, praising his commitment to the state's development and his resistance to undue influence. He called for continued support and prayers for the governor.
Finally, Ihunwo highlighted Obio/Akpor's conducive environment for business, citing a 50% tax reduction and denying allegations of harassment against business operators. He attributed such reports to those opposing his administration and Governor Fubara.
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