Political Tensions Rise in Rivers State: Speaker Amaewhule Issues Arrest Warrant for RISIEC Chairman Over Non-Compliance

The political situation in Rivers State is tense as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, has issued a warrant for the arrest of Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC). This action follows Enebeli’s repeated failure to respond to invitations from the Assembly regarding the conduct of the annulled October 2024 local government elections.

The Assembly had initially summoned Enebeli to explain the financial management of the commission and its preparations for upcoming elections, specifically addressing concerns about spending state resources without proper appropriation laws in place since January 2024. After Enebeli failed to appear, the Assembly extended the ultimatum for his appearance by 72 hours, warning that failure to comply would result in legal consequences, including arrest.

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In response, Enebeli and other RISIEC officials have filed a lawsuit against the Assembly, challenging its authority to compel their appearance and seeking an injunction to prevent any further actions by lawmakers regarding their appointments and responsibilities.This legal dispute adds to the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, especially following a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Amaewhule’s position as Speaker amidst challenges from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

As of now, the situation remains unresolved, with further developments expected as both parties prepare for court hearings scheduled for later this month.