A group of Rivers State Commissioners has filed a legal suit against the Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, following what they describe as an unlawful attempt to nullify their appointments amidst the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The commissioners, who were appointed to various key positions within the state government, assert that the action by the House of Assembly is politically motivated and seeks to undermine the authority of the state governor, who duly appointed them in accordance with constitutional provisions. The commissioners argue that the move by the Amaewhule-led Assembly constitutes an overreach of legislative powers and an attempt to destabilize the functioning of the government.
The House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani Amaewhule, recently proposed a motion to nullify appointments made by the Governor, raising concerns over the legality of such a proposal and its potential impact on governance. The commissioners contend that the legislative body is acting in bad faith, in violation of the state's constitution and established governance protocols.
In the court filing, the commissioners have requested the judiciary to intervene and prevent the Assembly from taking any further steps toward invalidating the appointments. They argue that the actions of the Amaewhule-led Assembly are not only a direct attack on the legitimacy of the governor’s administration but also a destabilizing factor at a time when political unity and smooth governance are critical for the state's development.
The legal action comes amid escalating political tensions within Rivers State, which have heightened due to disagreements between the executive and legislative arms of government. Sources close to the commissioners indicate that the group is committed to defending the integrity of the state’s governance framework and ensuring that the actions of the House of Assembly do not derail ongoing efforts to improve public service delivery in the state.