The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as constituents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area move to recall Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.

A lawyer, Kenneth Amadi, has officially written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin the process.

This development is part of the ongoing power struggle between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The crisis escalated after Amaewhule and 26 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Following this, lawmakers loyal to Fubara declared their seats vacant, leading to a division in the Assembly.

In the letter dated March 7, 2025, Amadi stated that his clients, who are voters in Amaewhule’s constituency, had lost confidence in his leadership. The reasons cited include:

• His defection from the PDP to APC in December 2023.
• Lack of proper representation and prioritizing personal and political interests over public welfare.
• Involvement in undemocratic impeachment activities since 2013.
• Ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, which instructed all parties to await the final decision on the legal status of the defected lawmakers.
• Allegedly overstepping his duties by amending state laws for political gains.
• Failure to deliver on campaign promises, such as establishing agriculture and aquaculture farms for youths.
• Lack of transparency in the legislative agenda of the Rivers Assembly.

The lawyer warned that if INEC does not provide the requested voter register within seven days, legal action will be taken.

Since the Supreme Court reinstated Amaewhule as Speaker, critics argue that lawmaking in the Rivers Assembly has stalled. Instead of focusing on legislative duties, Amaewhule and his group have been engaged in legal battles, particularly targeting the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

Amadi accused Amaewhule of issuing ultimatums and arrest warrants against RSIEC officials, despite a court injunction preventing such actions. He expressed concerns that the Speaker and his allies were prioritizing political fights over governance.

The crisis intensified further on March 12, 2025, when Governor Fubara was prevented from presenting the 2025 budget to the Assembly. Despite informing the lawmakers in advance, the Assembly complex was locked when he arrived.

Frustrated by the situation, Fubara accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him and ignoring his calls. This latest event has deepened the political standoff in Rivers State, leaving governance in a state of uncertainty.

As the recall process against Amaewhule gains momentum, the political future of Rivers State remains uncertain. Will the constituents succeed in removing the Speaker, or will the crisis continue? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next chapter of this ongoing power struggle.