The Rivers State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in the state’s institutions. On Wednesday, during their 134th Legislative Sitting, the Assembly members resolved to call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation request stems from allegations of financial impropriety and Enebeli’s refusal to subject himself to investigation by the House. The Assembly members, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, voted in favor of inviting the EFCC and ICPC to investigate Enebeli and other commissioners.

Motion Sponsored by 26 Lawmakers

The motion calling for the investigation was sponsored by 26 lawmakers and moved by the Member representing Okrika Constituency, Hon. Linda Somiari-Stewart. The motion urged the House to condemn the refusal of the Chairman of the Commission to subject himself to investigation by the House, invite the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate the Commission’s Chairman and members, and invite the Commission’s bankers to produce the bank statements of the Commission from 1st January, 2024 till date.

Speaker’s Comment

Commenting on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule stated that by virtue of the provisions of Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution, the House is empowered to conduct investigation on any person, Ministry, Department and Agency within its Legislative powers. When the Speaker put the question, the House voted in the affirmative, adopting all the prayers of the Motion, emphasizing the call on the EFCC and the ICPC to investigate the Chairman and other Commissioners of the Commission.

Referral of Bills to Standing Committees

In another development, the House gave Second Reading to three Bills, and debated the general principles of the Bills, harping on the merits inherent therein. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule commended Members for their robust debate and committed the following Bills to various House Committees:

Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill: This bill aims to grant the Assembly the power, privileges, and immunity to carry out its legislative duties. It has been referred to the House Committee on Rules and Business.
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill: This bill seeks to repeal the existing RSIEC law and re-enact a new one to provide for the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission. It has been referred to the House Committee on Commissions and Agencies.
Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025: This bill aims to repeal the existing local government laws and re-enact a new one. It has been committed to the House Committee on Local Government.

Conclusion

The Rivers State House of Assembly’s decision to call for an investigation into the RSIEC Chairman and the referral of key bills to standing committees demonstrate their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Rivers State. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Rivers State will be watching closely to ensure that justice is served and that those found guilty are held accountable.