The Rivers State House of Assembly took a dramatic step by issuing an arrest warrant for Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). This decision, spearheaded by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, stems from Enebeli’s repeated failure to honor summons related to the annulled local government (LG) elections of October 5, 2024. The move has intensified political tensions in Rivers State, a region already grappling with governance disputes and legal battles. This article delves into the reasons behind the arrest warrant, its implications for the state’s political climate, and the broader context of electoral oversight in Nigeria, optimized for readers seeking updates on this developing story.
Background: The Annulled LG Elections and RSIEC’s Role
The controversy traces back to the local government elections conducted by RSIEC on October 5, 2024. These polls, intended to elect chairmen and councilors across Rivers State’s 23 LGAs, were marred by allegations of irregularities, violence, and non-compliance with electoral laws. The Supreme Court subsequently annulled the elections, citing significant procedural flaws, and ordered a fresh poll to be held on August 9, 2025. The ruling also mandated direct funding to LGs, a decision that has sparked further conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature.
Justice Adolphus Enebeli, as RSIEC Chairman, oversaw the annulled elections. The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule—a faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike—sought to investigate the conduct of the polls. The Assembly issued multiple summons to Enebeli, including an initial 48-hour ultimatum on March 5, 2025, followed by a 72-hour extension on March 7, 2025. His failure to appear prompted the Assembly to invoke Section 129(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers state legislatures to enforce compliance with their directives.
The Arrest Warrant: A Bold Legislative Move
During a plenary session on March 10, 2025, the Amaewhule-led Assembly formally issued the arrest warrant, citing Enebeli’s “serial refusal” to honor their summons. The Assembly accused the RSIEC Chairman of obstructing their constitutional duty to probe the annulled elections and ensure accountability in the electoral process. Speaker Amaewhule emphasized that the warrant was not a personal vendetta but a necessary measure to uphold legislative authority and protect the integrity of governance in Rivers State.
This action has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of the Assembly argue that Enebeli’s refusal to appear undermines transparency and accountability, especially given the Supreme Court’s ruling on the elections. Critics, however, view the warrant as an overreach, accusing the Assembly of escalating political tensions in a state already divided between Governor Fubara and the Wike-aligned faction.
Political Tensions and the Fubara-Wike Divide
The arrest warrant cannot be viewed in isolation—it is part of a broader power struggle in Rivers State. Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Fubara has clashed with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political machinery. The Assembly, predominantly loyal to Wike, has repeatedly challenged Fubara’s authority, including attempts to override his vetoes and block his appointees. The annulled LG elections and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling have further fueled this rivalry, with LG autonomy becoming a flashpoint.
Governor Fubara has expressed willingness to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict and has invited Assembly members for dialogue to resolve the crisis. However, the Assembly’s decision to target the RSIEC Chairman suggests a reluctance to engage in reconciliation, instead opting for confrontation. The Supreme Court’s additional ruling barring federal funds to Rivers State until compliance with LG autonomy further complicates the situation, placing financial pressure on Fubara’s administration.
Implications for Governance and Electoral Integrity
The arrest warrant raises critical questions about the balance of power between state institutions in Nigeria. The Assembly’s authority to summon and enforce compliance is constitutionally grounded, but its application in this case has sparked debates about political motivations. If executed, Enebeli’s arrest could set a precedent for how electoral officials are held accountable, potentially strengthening legislative oversight. However, it also risks undermining public trust in the electoral process if perceived as a partisan maneuver.
For Rivers State residents, the ongoing conflict threatens to delay grassroots development. The annulled elections left LGAs without elected leadership, and the August 2025 timeline for fresh polls means continued reliance on caretaker committees or state-appointed officials. This governance vacuum could exacerbate issues like infrastructure decay, insecurity, and economic stagnation, particularly in rural areas.
Looking Ahead: A State at a Crossroads
As of March 10, 2025, the situation in Rivers State remains fluid. The arrest warrant’s enforcement depends on the police, whose role in the state’s political disputes has been contentious. The Inspector-General of Police has faced calls to ensure neutrality, especially given past allegations of bias toward certain factions. Meanwhile, Governor Fubara’s administration must navigate the financial constraints imposed by the Supreme Court while preparing for the August 2025 LG elections.
The broader implications for Nigeria’s federal system are also significant. The Rivers crisis highlights the challenges of implementing LG autonomy nationwide, a reform aimed at decentralizing power and fostering local development. How this conflict unfolds could influence other states grappling with similar issues, shaping the future of grassroots governance.
Conclusion
The Rivers State House of Assembly’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Justice Adolphus Enebeli marks a bold escalation in the state’s political turmoil. Rooted in the fallout from the annulled October 2024 LG elections, this move underscores the deep divisions between Governor Fubara and the Wike-aligned Assembly. As the state navigates this crisis, the balance between legislative authority, electoral integrity, and effective governance hangs in the balance.
For those tracking Nigerian politics, Rivers State offers a compelling case study in power dynamics, institutional conflicts, and the quest for accountability. Whether this arrest warrant leads to resolution or further chaos, its impact will reverberate beyond the state, influencing the national discourse on local governance and electoral reform.
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