A new chapter has unfolded in the turbulent Rivers State political saga, as a legal move has been initiated to recall Speaker Martin Amaewhule from the State House of Assembly. A lawyer identified as Kenneth Amadi has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence the recall process, escalating the already fraught political climate.
This development marks the latest twist in the protracted power struggle that has gripped Rivers State since Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The crux of the dispute revolves around the defection of Amaewhule and 26 pro-Wike lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that Fubara’s loyalists deemed to have vacated their seats.
Following the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling, which reinstated Amaewhule and his colleagues, and mandated Fubara to present the 2025 budget to their assembly, Amadi’s petition signals a determined effort to challenge Amaewhule’s continued tenure.
In a letter dated March 7, 2025, addressed to the Rivers State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amadi, representing concerned Obio/Akpor constituents, invoked the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and relevant constitutional provisions to request a certified true copy (CTC) of the voter register for Amaewhule’s constituency.
The letter outlined a litany of grievances against Amaewhule, including his defection, alleged focus on personal and political interests, involvement in “undemocratic, illegal and violent impeachment activities,” disobedience to court orders, “illegal usurpation” of gubernatorial powers, failure to fulfill campaign promises, and neglect of legislative duties.
Amadi further accused Amaewhule of prioritizing actions against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) over legislative responsibilities, citing “ultimatums and bench warrants” as evidence of a standstill in the Assembly’s core functions.
“The only activity that we hear and read about as the function of the Rivers State House of Assembly is ultimatums and bench warrant for the arrest of the Chairman and Commissioners of the RISEC,” Amadi stated.
The letter warned of legal action if the requested CTC of the voter register is not provided within seven days.
