Rivers State Political Crisis Deepens

This development marks a significant twist in the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, which began when Governor Sim Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Amaewhule, along with 26 pro-Wike lawmakers, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting Fubara’s loyalists in the Assembly to declare their seats vacant. Following this, the governor aligned with a three-member faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, presenting the state budget to them and securing approvals for key appointments.

However, in a landmark ruling on February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court reinstated Amaewhule and his colleagues, ordering them to resume legislative duties. The court also mandated Governor Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget before the Amaewhule-led Assembly.

Legal Steps for Amaewhule’s Recall

A letter obtained by DAILY POST on March 12, 2025, reveals that recall proceedings against Amaewhule have commenced. The letter, dated March 7, 2025, was addressed to the Rivers State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner under the title:

“Pre-Action Notice: Request made pursuant to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and Freedom of Information Act, 2011, for a certified true copy of the verified voter register for Obio/Akpor Federal/State Constituency, Rivers State as preliminary steps towards the recall of Martins Amaewhule.”

An acknowledgment stamp on the letter confirms that INEC received it on March 11, 2025.

Grounds for Recall

Amadi, representing several indigenes of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (Amaewhule’s constituency), cited the following reasons for seeking the recall:

• Defection to the APC: Amaewhule abandoned the PDP in December 2023.
• Failure to Represent Constituents: He allegedly prioritized personal and political interests over the needs of his constituency.
• Involvement in Undemocratic Acts: Since 2013, he has been linked to illegal impeachment attempts.
• Disobedience to Supreme Court Rulings: He allegedly ignored the February 28, 2025 judgment, which halted legislative actions pending a final ruling.
• Illegal Power Grab: He amended state laws to extend the tenure of local government chairmen and appoint commissioners.
• Unfulfilled Campaign Promises: He failed to deliver agriculture and aquaculture farms for youth empowerment.
• Lack of a Legislative Agenda: Unlike the National Assembly, the Rivers Assembly under Amaewhule allegedly lacks a structured plan.

Amadi warned that if INEC fails to provide a certified voter register within seven days, legal action will be taken to enforce compliance.

Legislative Standstill Amid Political Feud

Amadi further accused Amaewhule of disrupting governance by focusing solely on conflicts with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Following the Supreme Court judgment, Amaewhule allegedly issued ultimatums and an arrest warrant against RSIEC officials, despite an existing High Court injunction protecting them. Amadi noted that legislative activities, such as bill readings, constituency projects, and oversight functions, have ground to a halt, with Amaewhule solely preoccupied with political battles.

Governor Fubara Denied Entry to Present Budget

The crisis took another dramatic turn on March 12, 2025, when Governor Sim Fubara was denied access to the Assembly quarters to re-present the 2025 budget as ordered by the Supreme Court. Despite an official notice sent to Amaewhule on March 11, 2025, the Assembly gates were locked when Fubara and top officials arrived, forcing them to leave without presenting the budget.

Fubara later accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that multiple calls to the Speaker went unanswered.

What’s Next for Rivers State?

With a looming legal battle over Amaewhule’s recall and rising tensions between the executive and legislative arms, the political crisis in Rivers State shows no signs of resolution. Observers await INEC’s response and further Supreme Court interventions to clarify the power struggle within the state.

Stay tuned for more updates on the unfolding drama in Rivers politics.