The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has urged 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), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), over alleged mismanagement of the commission’s funds.
Speaking during a plenary session at the Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Amaewhule emphasized that as the legislative body responsible for enacting the RSIEC law, the House has the authority to oversee its activities. He noted that such oversight is both a constitutional responsibility and a widely accepted global practice.
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Amaewhule recalled that Enebeli and other RSIEC commissioners had previously appeared before the House for screening and confirmation, during which they pledged to operate within the confines of the law. They also assured lawmakers that they would be available for questioning whenever required. However, the Speaker expressed disappointment that despite being summoned by the Assembly, the RSIEC chairman and commissioners have refused to appear.
Citing Section 128 of the state’s constitution, Amaewhule reiterated that the House has the power to investigate the commission and demand accountability from its leadership. Given RSIEC’s reluctance to cooperate, he called on the EFCC and ICPC to step in and scrutinize how public funds allocated to the commission were utilized.
He further alleged that funds were spent without proper approval, budgetary allocation, or an appropriation law, resulting in the misuse of billions of naira. Amaewhule stressed the urgency of the investigation, insisting that RSIEC officials must come forward to account for the commission’s financial activities, as outlined in the motion presented before the Assembly.
