The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as a legal move has been initiated to recall the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
A lawyer, Kenneth Amadi, has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting the commencement of recall proceedings against Amaewhule, citing allegations of political misconduct, defection, and failure to represent his constituents effectively.
The recall bid follows a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which ordered Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers—who previously defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)—to resume their legislative duties.
Amadi, acting on behalf of several indigenes of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, submitted a letter to INEC on March 7, 2025, seeking a certified copy of the verified voter register for Amaewhule’s constituency as a preliminary step toward the recall process. The letter, acknowledged by INEC on March 11, outlined multiple allegations, including defection, disobedience to court orders, and failure to fulfill campaign promises.
The crisis deepened on March 12 when Governor Sim Fubara was barred from accessing the Assembly quarters to present the 2025 budget, as directed by the Supreme Court. Despite notifying the lawmakers of his intent, the premises were locked upon his arrival, forcing him to leave without delivering the budget.
Fubara later accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, revealing that multiple calls to the Speaker went unanswered.
The unfolding political turmoil continues to raise concerns over governance and legislative stability in Rivers State.
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