Pro-Wike lawmakers issue arrest warrant for Rivers electoral commission boss

The Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers state house of assembly has issued a warrant of arrest for Adolphus Enebeli, chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The assembly issued the arrest warrant on Monday following the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum.

On March 5, the lawmakers invited Adolphus Enebeli, RSIEC chairman, and commissioners of the state electoral body, to appear before the assembly on March 7.

The assembly asked Enebeli to come along with relevant documents to explain how the commission spent state resources “without an appropriation law” since January 2024.

The lawmakers also threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against Enebeli and his commissioners if they failed to honour the invitation.

However, the RSIEC officials failed to appear before the assembly on March 7.

At the plenary on March 7, the assembly issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the RSIEC officials to appear before the parliament on Monday, March 10.

BACKGROUND

On March 5, RSIEC announced August 9, 2025, for the conduct of a fresh LGA elections in Rivers. Enebeli said the decision was in compliance with the apex court verdict.

On February 28, the supreme court nullified the election conducted on October 5, 2024.

In its lead judgment delivered by Jamilu Tukur, the apex court held that there was no evidence to show that the conditions set out in section 150(3) of the Electoral Act had been met before the electoral umpire conducted the polls.

The state is currently battling political crisis owing to the feud between Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state, and Nyesom Wike.

The Amaewhule-led faction of the assembly is loyal to Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), and a former governor of Rivers state.