A fresh twist has emerged in the incessant political crisis ravaging Rivers State as constituents of Obio/Akpor have initiated recall proceedings against the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
Kenneth Amadi, a lawyer representing several constituents, has formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting a certified true copy of the verified voter register as a preliminary step toward Amaewhule’s recall.
Amaewhule and 26 other pro-Wike lawmakers had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting their seats to be declared vacant by lawmakers loyal to Governor Sim Fubara.
In response, Fubara aligned with the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led three-man faction of the Assembly, which handled budget presentations and key appointments.
However, on February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Amaewhule and his colleagues should resume their legislative duties, ordering Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget before the full House under Amaewhule’s leadership.
Despite the ruling, a letter obtained by DAILY POST on March 12, 2025, revealed the constituents’ move to recall Amaewhule, citing reasons including his defection, alleged failure to represent public interest, and involvement in undemocratic impeachment activities.
The letter warned that legal action would be taken if INEC fails to provide the requested voter register within seven days.
Amadi also accused Amaewhule of flouting court orders and stalling legislative activities, stating that the Assembly under his leadership has been more focused on fighting the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) than carrying out legislative duties.
Meanwhile, the crisis took another dramatic turn on March 12, when Governor Fubara was blocked from presenting the 2025 budget at the Assembly quarters, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
Despite notifying Amaewhule of his intent, Fubara found the gates locked and was forced to leave without fulfilling the obligation.
Reacting to the incident, Fubara accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, claiming multiple calls to the Speaker went unanswered.
