The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a new turn as constituents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have initiated recall proceedings against the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
Legal Action Begins Against Amaewhule
A lawyer, Kenneth Amadi, has formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting the necessary steps to recall Amaewhule.
This move follows months of intense political battles between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Amaewhule and 26 pro-Wike lawmakers had earlier defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting the Fubara-backed faction of the Assembly to declare their seats vacant.
However, in a dramatic twist, the Supreme Court ruled on February 28, 2025, that they should resume their legislative duties.
Reasons Behind the Recall
According to the recall request, Amaewhule is being accused of:
- Defecting from the PDP to the APC in December 2023.
- Failing to provide effective representation for his constituents.
- Engaging in undemocratic and unconstitutional activities, including impeachment attempts since 2013.
- Disobeying the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the Assembly’s legitimacy.
- Allegedly overstepping his authority by amending state laws to extend the tenure of local government chairmen.
- Failing to fulfill campaign promises, including setting up agricultural and aquaculture projects for youth.
Legal Battle Looms
The recall petition, submitted on March 7, 2025, requests INEC to provide a certified voter register for Obio/Akpor, a crucial step in the process. If the electoral body fails to act within seven days, the constituents plan to take legal action.
Amadi also accused Amaewhule of neglecting legislative duties, claiming the Assembly has focused solely on battling the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) rather than addressing governance issues.
Governor Fubara Blocked from Presenting Budget
In another twist, Governor Sim Fubara was prevented from presenting the 2025 budget to the Assembly on March 12, 2025. Despite notifying Speaker Amaewhule, the gates of the Assembly complex were locked, further escalating tensions.
Fubara later accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, adding that multiple attempts to reach the Speaker were ignored.
With tensions still high, Rivers State remains at the center of a deepening political crisis, and the outcome of this recall attempt could significantly impact the state’s leadership landscape.
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