The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has taken a legal turn as commissioners appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara have dragged the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to court over attempts to nullify their appointments.
The commissioners, whose nominations were confirmed by four lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara, filed a lawsuit at the Rivers State High Court seeking to restrain the Assembly from invalidating their positions in the state executive council.
Their legal action comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a verdict that dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Fubara and has further deepened the state’s political turmoil.
The commissioners are seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent the Assembly from enforcing resolutions passed on March 5, 2025, which declared their appointments illegal.
They are also asking the court to prohibit the Assembly from interfering in their functions as members of the state government.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retired), and his commissioners have also approached the court to challenge the Assembly’s authority to summon them for questioning.
The Assembly had initially issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Enebeli to appear and explain the circumstances surrounding the annulled October 2024 local government elections.
After he failed to show up, the lawmakers extended the deadline by another 72 hours.
Enebeli and his team, however, argue that the summons is beyond the Assembly’s powers and have asked the court to restrain lawmakers from compelling them to appear.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Frank Onyiri granted leave for the claimants to serve the Assembly through substituted means and adjourned the case to April 17, 2025.
Despite the pending litigation, the Rivers Assembly, during its plenary session on Wednesday, reaffirmed its decision to summon RISIEC officials.
Lawmakers insist that Enebeli and his team must account for the funding of the nullified elections and disclose budget plans for the fresh polls scheduled for August 9, 2025.
House Leader, Major Jack, informed lawmakers that official letters had been sent to RISIEC officials and Governor Fubara, urging him to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
However, both the governor and RISIEC chairman have yet to respond.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule warned that the Assembly is taking legislative notice of Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2025 budget and will take necessary action at the appropriate time.
The lawmakers passed a resolution directing the Clerk of the House to invite RISIEC officials again to appear before lawmakers on March 10, 2025.
They also threatened to invoke Section 129 (1) (d) of the Constitution if the officials fail to comply.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to maintain order amid rising security concerns.
This follows threats by militant groups to attack oil installations in response to the ongoing political crisis.
Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju warned against any attempts to destabilize the state, assuring residents that security forces are fully prepared to deal with any threats.
“We are ready for anything. All eyes are on Rivers State, and we will not allow anyone to escalate tensions,” Adepoju said.
