*Accused of Neglecting Legislative Duties, Disobeying Court Orders

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as constituents of Obio/Akpor State Constituency, through their lawyer Kenneth Amadi, have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence recall proceedings against the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.

This development follows the ongoing battle for control in the state legislature, which intensified after Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), had their seats declared vacant by pro-Fubara lawmakers. In response, Fubara aligned with the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the Assembly, which later approved his budget and confirmed key appointments.

However, the Supreme Court ruled on February 28, 2025, that Amaewhule and the defecting lawmakers should resume their positions and ordered Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget to the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.

In a letter dated March 7, 2025, addressed to the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, lawyer Kenneth Amadi formally requested a certified true copy of the verified voter register for Obio/Akpor Federal/State Constituency. The letter, titled “Pre-Action Notice,” was acknowledged by INEC on March 11, 2025.

Amadi explained that his clients, who are indigenes of Obio/Akpor LGA, are initiating Amaewhule’s recall under the Freedom of Information Act, the 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act. He cited Section 69 of the Constitution, which allows for a lawmaker’s recall if more than 50% of registered voters in the constituency express a loss of confidence in their representative.

The recall petition accuses Amaewhule of:

  • Defecting to the APC in December 2023.
  • Failing to represent the interests of his constituents.
  • Engaging in illegal impeachment activities since 2013.
  • Disobeying the Supreme Court judgment of February 28, 2025.
  • Attempting to usurp executive powers by amending laws to extend the tenure of local government chairmen.
  • Failing to fulfill campaign promises, such as establishing agricultural and aquaculture farms.
  • Neglecting legislative duties, including passing bills and engaging in oversight functions.

The letter warned that if INEC does not provide the requested voter register within seven days, legal action will be taken.

Amadi further accused Amaewhule of violating court orders since his reinstatement as Speaker, claiming that legislative work has stalled under his leadership. Instead of addressing governance issues, he alleged, the Speaker and his allies have focused solely on targeting the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

“In the days following the Supreme Court judgment, Amaewhule issued ultimatums against RSIEC, and even obtained a bench warrant for the arrest of its chairman and commissioners,” Amadi stated. “This is despite a valid High Court injunction preventing any action against RSIEC leadership pending a ruling on an ongoing lawsuit.”

He added, “There is no record of bills being debated, constituency projects initiated, or oversight functions performed. The only legislative activity has been attacks on RSIEC.”

The crisis escalated further on March 12, 2025, when Governor Fubara was prevented from entering the Assembly complex to present the 2025 budget as ordered by the Supreme Court.

Despite notifying Amaewhule in a letter dated March 11, 2025, about his intention to present the budget, the governor arrived at the Assembly to find the gates locked. Unable to gain entry, he was forced to leave without presenting the budget, worsening the impasse.

Speaking after the incident, Fubara accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him. “I called him several times, but he refused to answer,” the governor said.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________