The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of multiple constitutional breaches, including appointing officials without legislative approval. The Assembly has also threatened to arrest the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), if he fails to appear before it within 48 hours.
In a letter signed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule and addressed to the governor, the lawmakers highlighted four major infractions. Chief among them was the appointment of 19 commissioners and other officials without presenting their names to the Assembly for screening and confirmation, a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution.
Illegal Appointments and Assembly’s Warning
The Assembly declared the appointments null and void, warning that such actions undermine democratic processes in the state. “Your numerous appointments of persons into positions that require screening and confirmation are illegal,” the letter stated.
The lawmakers particularly pointed out that the governor failed to submit a nominee for Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, yet had Mr. Dagogo Iboroma functioning in the role. The letter cited Section 192(2) & (6) and Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution, stating that these provisions mandate legislative confirmation before appointments can be valid.
Additionally, the letter named several individuals who were sworn in as commissioners on various dates in 2024, despite not undergoing the required legislative process. It also noted that members of the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement and the Local Government Service Commission were appointed and sworn in without approval from the Assembly.
The lawmakers gave Governor Fubara 48 hours to submit a list of nominees for proper screening. “We urge you to act fast and do the needful by complying with the provisions of the law in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the letter read.
Also Read:
- Rivers State Budget Crisis Deepens as Governor Fubara Defies Lawmakers’ Ultimatum
- Ijaw Leaders Warn Against Fubara’s Impeachment
- Senate Dismisses Senator Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio
Dispute Over Budget Presentation
Tensions between the Assembly and the governor escalated further after the lawmakers ordered Fubara to present the 2025 budget within 48 hours, following a Supreme Court ruling. However, as the deadline expired, the government claimed it never received the letter from the Assembly.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, stated that the governor’s office only learned of the letter through social media. “Neither the office of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, nor the Accountant-General’s office has received the said letter,” he said in a statement.
An aide to Speaker Amaewhule, who wished to remain anonymous, countered the claim, saying the letter was sent via courier but was turned away at the Government House gate.
RSIEC Chairman Fights Back
Meanwhile, the Assembly summoned RSIEC Chairman Justice Enebeli to appear within 48 hours to explain how funds were spent during the annulled October 5, 2024, local government election. Lawmakers threatened to issue a warrant for his arrest if he failed to comply.
“The Clerk of the House should immediately forward a letter to the RSIEC Chairman, asking him to appear before this Assembly to explain how they spent public funds,” the lawmakers stated.
However, Justice Enebeli rejected the ultimatum through his lawyer, Kenneth Amadi. In a legal notice to the Assembly, Amadi argued that the lawmakers’ demand violated constitutional provisions on fair hearing.
“At least a seven-day notice should be given before appearing before any legislature,” the notice read, referencing the 1999 Constitution and a past court ruling in El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives. The RSIEC chairman warned that legal action would be taken if the ultimatum was not withdrawn.
New Local Government Elections Scheduled
Despite the ongoing political tension, RSIEC has announced a fresh local government election for August 9, 2025. Justice Enebeli said the decision was in line with the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the October 5, 2024, election.
“With the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, we have set August 9, 2025, as the date for the local government election,” he said.
As the political crisis deepens in Rivers State, analysts fear further confrontations between the governor and the Assembly. The coming days will determine whether Governor Fubara will comply with the lawmakers’ demands or if the standoff will escalate into a full-blown constitutional crisis.