By Abiola Olawale
The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a new turn as constituents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have reportedly commenced recall proceedings against Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
This is as a lawyer, Kenneth Amadi, who identified himself as the legal counsel to most constituents of Obio/Akpor LG, initiated a move he described as growing discontent with Amaewhule’s leadership amid the state’s ongoing crisis.
In a letter addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State, dated March 7, 2025, and received by the commission on March 11, Amadi requested a certified true copy of the verified voter register for Obio/Akpor Federal/State Constituency.
Amadi argued that the request was made under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and sections 69 and 110 of the 1999 Constitution, a preliminary step toward formally initiating Amaewhule’s recall.
The lawyer cited several grievances, including Amaewhule’s alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023 and his failure to effectively represent the interests of his constituents.
Amadi’s letter also accused Amaewhule and his faction of focusing on personal and political interests rather than the needs of their constituents, alleging that legislative activities in the state have been grounded.
The letter reads in part: “I write in my capacity as a lawyer to several indigenes of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State who are desirous of initiating a recall of Martins Amaewhule for the following reasons:
“Defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in December 2023.
“Failure to provide effective representation for the majority of the public interests of constituents, instead focusing on his interests and the interests of his political godfather.
“Consistent involvement in undemocratic, illegal and violent impeachment activities since the year 2013 when he moved the motion for the impeachment of a duly and legally appointed Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Disobedience to the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on 28th February 2025 which directed all parties to await the final determination of the legal status of Amaewhule and 26 other law-makers of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected in December 2023.
“Illegal usurpation of the duties of His Excellency, Governor of Rivers State by amendment of certain laws of Rivers State to confer upon himself the powers to extend the tenure of Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State and appointment of Commissioners of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (just to mention a few).
“Failure to fulfil his campaign promises to build agriculture and aquaculture farms for youths of Obio/Akpor State constituency, just to mention a few.”
The New Diplomat reports that the constitutional provisions for a recall, as outlined in Section 110 of the 1999 Constitution, require a petition signed by more than 50% of registered voters in the constituency, which must then be verified by INEC before a referendum can be conducted.
