Ukorebi Esien | 10th March 2025
PORT HARCOURT — Rivers State is currently embroiled in a political crisis as Governor Siminalayi Fubara's 19 commissioners have initiated legal action against the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. The commissioners are seeking to prevent the Assembly from nullifying their appointments, which were approved by four lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara.
This legal move follows a recent Supreme Court decision affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing a cross-appeal by Governor Fubara. The commissioners are requesting an interlocutory injunction to stop the Assembly from enforcing resolutions passed on March 5, 2025, that declared their appointments void. They also seek to bar the Assembly from interfering in their official duties.
In a related development, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), along with his commissioners, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Assembly's authority to summon them regarding the nullified October 2024 Local Government Elections. The Assembly had initially given Enebeli a 48-hour ultimatum to appear, later extending it by 72 hours after he failed to comply.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Frank Onyiri granted permission for the claimants to serve the Assembly through substituted means and adjourned the hearing to April 17, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has reiterated its summons for RISIEC officials to explain the funding sources for the nullified local government election and the planned expenditure for a new election scheduled for August 9, 2025. The Assembly has also urged Governor Fubara to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, warning of potential legislative action if he fails to do so.
Amid these tensions, the Rivers State Police Command has pledged to address threats to national security, following warnings from militant groups about possible attacks on oil installations due to the ongoing political unrest. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju assured residents of the police's preparedness to handle any disturbances, stating that they are ready to maintain order in the state.
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