Rivers Political Crisis Deepens: Constituents Move to Recall Speaker Amaewhule Amid Fresh Controversy!

The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as constituents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area initiate recall proceedings against the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.

A lawyer, Kenneth Amadi, acting on behalf of several indigenes, has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting certified voter records as a preliminary step in recalling Amaewhule over allegations of political betrayal, disobedience to court rulings, and failure to deliver on his legislative promises.

The move to oust Amaewhule is fueled by multiple accusations, including:

Defection Drama: Constituents claim that his December 2023 defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a betrayal of their mandate.

Political Interference: Accusations that he has prioritized his personal and political interests over the welfare of his constituency.

Court Defiance: Alleged refusal to comply with the Supreme Court ruling of February 28, 2025, which directed all parties to await final determination of his legal status.

Usurping Executive Powers: Allegations of illegally amending laws to extend the tenure of Local Government Chairmen and appoint commissioners without due process.

Legislative Failures: Accusations of failing to initiate any meaningful legislative agenda or implement constituency projects promised during campaigns.

The letter requesting Amaewhule's recall, dated March 7, 2025, was officially received by INEC on March 11, 2025. Amadi warned that if the certified voter register is not made available within seven days, legal action will be taken to enforce the recall process.

The political turmoil in Rivers escalated when Amaewhule and 26 pro-Wike lawmakers defected from the PDP to APC, prompting the faction loyal to Governor Sim Fubara to declare their seats vacant. However, following the Supreme Court's ruling, Amaewhule and his group reclaimed their positions and resumed legislative duties, further deepening the divide.

Despite the court's directive, Amaewhule has reportedly focused solely on issuing ultimatums against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), ignoring other legislative responsibilities. Lawyer Amadi claims this raises concerns about the true motives of the embattled Speaker and his allies.

On March 12, 2025, the crisis took a new dimension when Governor Fubara was prevented from presenting the 2025 budget to the State Assembly under Amaewhule's leadership.

Despite notifying the Speaker via a letter on March 11, 2025, the gates of the Assembly quarters were reportedly locked when Fubara and government officials arrived. The governor left without presenting the budget, further intensifying the political standoff.

In his reaction, Fubara accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that multiple calls to the Speaker were ignored.

With recall proceedings initiated against Amaewhule and fresh allegations of deliberate obstruction of governance, Rivers State is bracing for yet another showdown in its political crisis. Will Amaewhule survive the recall attempt, or is this the beginning of the end for his speakership?

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