The deepening political crisis in Rivers State has taken a legal turn as 19 commissioners appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara drag the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to court over an alleged plot to nullify their appointments.
The commissioners, who were confirmed by just four lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara, have filed a suit at the Rivers State High Court, seeking to restrain the Assembly from voiding their appointments. This lawsuit comes on the heels of a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly—a verdict that has further escalated political tensions in the state.
In their suit, the commissioners are requesting an interlocutory injunction to prevent Speaker Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers from enforcing a resolution passed on March 5, 2025, which declared their appointments null and void. They also seek a court order barring the Assembly from interfering in their functions as members of the state executive council.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) has also waded into the legal fray. The commission’s chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), along with other RISIEC commissioners, has filed a separate suit challenging the Assembly’s authority to summon them for questioning over the nullified October 2024 local government elections.
The Amaewhule-led House of Assembly had initially given Justice Enebeli a 48-hour ultimatum to appear before lawmakers and explain the circumstances surrounding the controversial elections. When he failed to comply, the deadline was extended by another 72 hours. In response, RISIEC officials sought a court injunction restraining the Assembly from compelling their appearance, arguing that such actions were unlawful.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Frank Onyiri granted leave for the claimants to serve the Assembly through substituted means and adjourned the hearing to April 17, 2025.
During its plenary session on Wednesday, the Rivers State House of Assembly doubled down on its stance, reaffirming its decision to summon RISIEC officials. The lawmakers demanded explanations regarding the sources of funding for the voided local government elections and the financial plans for a fresh poll scheduled for August 9, 2025.
House Leader Major Jack informed the Assembly that official letters had been sent to RISIEC officials and Governor Fubara, urging him to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. However, neither the governor nor the RISIEC chairman has responded to the invitations.
Speaker Amaewhule issued a stern warning, stating that the Assembly had taken legislative notice of Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2025 budget and would take “necessary action at the appropriate time.” Lawmakers also resolved to summon RISIEC officials again on March 10, 2025, threatening to invoke Section 129 (1) (d) of the Constitution should they fail to appear.
As the political drama unfolds, security agencies have been placed on high alert. The Rivers State Police Command has vowed to crack down on any threats to national security following warnings from militant groups about potential attacks on oil installations in response to the ongoing crisis.
Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju issued a firm warning against violence, stating:
> “We are ready for anything that comes. All eyes are on Rivers State now, and we will not allow anyone to heat the polity.”
With political and legal battles intensifying, Rivers State finds itself at a crucial crossroads, as all sides brace for the next chapter in this high-stakes power struggle.
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