The Rivers State House of Assembly has announced plans to request an investigation into Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
This decision was made during the Assembly’s 134th legislative session on Wednesday, with lawmakers stating that the inquiry would focus on the commission’s financial transactions over the past year. The move aims to uphold transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The resolution follows an arrest warrant issued against the RSIEC chairman and four senior officials. It stemmed from a motion sponsored by 26 lawmakers and presented by Linda Somiari-Stewart of Okrika Constituency.
Somiari-Stewart urged the Assembly to condemn the RSIEC chairman’s refusal to cooperate with investigations, call for EFCC and ICPC intervention, and summon RSIEC’s banks to provide financial statements from January 1, 2024, to the present.
During deliberations, Speaker Martin Amaewhule highlighted that Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution grants the House authority to investigate individuals, ministries, departments, and agencies within its jurisdiction. The motion was unanimously passed by lawmakers, emphasizing the urgency of EFCC and ICPC involvement.
Additionally, the Assembly conducted the second reading of three bills, discussing their core principles. These include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the RSIEC Bill—aimed at repealing and re-enacting the 2018 electoral commission law—and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025, which proposes replacing previous local government laws from 2018, 2023, and 2024. The bills were referred to the relevant House committees for further review.
Speaker Amaewhule commended lawmakers for their contributions, stating that these legislative efforts would enhance governance and reinforce accountability in the state.
