In a new twist to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, a legal move has been initiated to recall the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.

A lawyer, Kenneth Amadi, has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking to commence the process of recalling the embattled Speaker.

The political tension in the state stems from the rift between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The crisis escalated after Amaewhule and 26 other pro-Wike lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response, lawmakers loyal to Fubara declared their seats vacant, leading the governor to work with a three-member faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Fubara subsequently presented the 2025 budget to the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, which also confirmed commissioner nominees and other appointments.

However, in a dramatic turn, Amaewhule and his allies renounced their defection, and on February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, ordering them to resume legislative duties.

The court also directed Fubara to present the state budget to the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.

Despite this ruling, a recall process has now been set in motion against the Speaker.

A letter obtained on March 12, 2025, indicated that proceedings have begun to remove Amaewhule from his position.

The document, dated March 7, 2025, was addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Rivers State.

Titled “Pre-Action Notice: Request made pursuant to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and Freedom of Information Act, 2011, for a certified true copy of the verified voter register for Obio/Akpor Federal/State Constituency, Rivers State as preliminary steps towards the recall of Martins Amaewhule, the legislator representing Obio/Akpor State Constituency at the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the letter was acknowledged by INEC on March 11, 2025.

Amadi, representing several constituents from Obio/Akpor, stated in the letter that his request aligns with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act of 2011, sections 69 and 110 of the 1999 Constitution, and Section 116 of the Electoral Act of 2010 (as amended), which allows INEC to conduct a recall if more than 50% of registered voters in a constituency lose confidence in their representative.

“I write in my capacity as a lawyer to several indigenes of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State who are desirous of initiating a recall of Martins Amaewhule for the following reasons:

“Defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in December 2023.

“Failure to provide effective representation for the majority of the public interests of constituents, instead focusing on his own personal interests and the interests of his political godfather.

“Consistent involvement in undemocratic, illegal and violent impeachment activities since the year 2013 when he moved the motion for impeachment of a duly and legally appointed Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Disobedience to the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on 28th February 2025 which directed all parties to await the final determination of the legal status of Amaewhule and 26 other law-makers of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected in December 2023.

“Illegal usurpation of the duties of His Excellency, Governor of Rivers State by amendment of certain laws of Rivers State to confer upon himself the powers to extend the tenure of Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Rivers State and appointment of Commissioners of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (just to mention a few).

“Failure to fulfill his campaign promises to build agriculture and aquaculture farms for youths of Obio/Akpor State constituency, just to mention a few.

“Failure to publish and comply with a legislative agenda of the Rivers State House of Assembly as is the legislative practice of the National Assembly.”

Amadi warned that legal action would be taken if INEC fails to provide the requested voter register within seven days.

He further accused Amaewhule of disregarding court orders, stating, “In the days immediately after the Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment of 28th February 2025, Amaewhule has issued several ultimatums against the Chairman of RSIEC and more recently a bench warrant for the arrest of the chairman and commissioners of the RSIEC.

“This is in spite of a valid injunction of a High Court of Rivers State that prevents Amaewhule and the Rivers State House of Assembly from doing anything against the said Chairman of the RSIEC pending the hearing of the ongoing lawsuit that the said chairman of the RSIEC filed against Amaewhule and his 26 lawmakers.”

Amadi expressed concern over the Speaker’s priorities since his reinstatement.

“The uncommon and exuberant zeal that Amaewhule and his 26 lawmakers are expending upon the RISEC alone since their resumption since after 28th February 2025 raises a lot of suspicion and worry.

“This is because it appears that the entire business of lawmaking of the Rivers State House of Assembly has come to a standstill, there is no mention of any other activities such as Bills that undergo first or second reading, there is no mention of constituency projects or visits to constituencies, and certainly no mention of oversight functions.

“The only activity that we hear and read about as the function of the Rivers State House of Assembly is ultimatums and bench warrant for the arrest of the Chairman and Commissioners of the RISEC.”

Meanwhile, the political crisis in Rivers deepened further on March 12, 2025, as Governor Fubara was prevented from accessing the Assembly complex to present the 2025 budget, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Despite notifying the Speaker of his intention to appear before the House on March 12, the gates of the Assembly were locked when Fubara and his team arrived, forcing him to leave without presenting the budget.

Reacting to the incident, Fubara accused Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him. “I called Amaewhule severally but the Speaker refused to answer,” the governor lamented.

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has dismissed rumors of his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), reiterating his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, Lawan described the speculation as “entirely false, baseless, and without any merit.”

“For the record, throughout his illustrious political career spanning 25 years as a member of the National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Lawan is one of Nigeria’s few politicians with no defection record since inception.

“In 1999, he was elected into the House of Representatives; and transitioned to the Senate in 2007, on the platform of the All People’s Party, which was later renamed ‘All Nigeria People’s Party.

“The ANPP was amongst the three minority parties that merged to birth the All Progressives Congress on 6th February, 2013,” the statement read.

Lawan emphasized his long-standing commitment to the APC, noting that he has remained consistent in his political affiliations and has played a significant role in shaping the party.

He pledged to continue working alongside the party’s leadership to promote its policies and objectives.

The statement also reaffirmed Lawan’s support for Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in their leadership and governance strategies.

“We urge the general public, party members, and supporters to disregard these unfounded rumours and posters, as they are nothing but the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to create unnecessary distractions and buzz for a mapped-out political agenda.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains focused on his responsibilities as a lawmaker and a leader, and he is committed to supporting the APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering good governance and sustainable development to all Nigerians,” the statement added.

Lawan called on his supporters to remain steadfast, assuring them of his unwavering loyalty to the APC as he continues to work towards a more progressive Nigeria.

Similarly, former Jigawa State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figure, Sule Lamido, has rejected calls by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for opposition leaders to join the SDP.

El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the APC to the SDP, made the appeal during an interview with BBC Hausa, inviting political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join him in the party.

Although El-Rufai did not directly mention Lamido, the former Jigawa governor responded in a separate BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, dismissing the invitation as an insult.

“The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai.

“You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido said.

He also took a swipe at El-Rufai’s previous remarks about political leadership in Nigeria.

“He once said that there are no adults in Nigeria in politics, but now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP.”

Lamido questioned El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC and his reasoning for joining the SDP.

“He said he told President Buhari about his decision to leave the APC, but now he is saying that he is one of the adults in Nigerian politics,” Lamido stated.

He further emphasized his long-standing commitment to the PDP, arguing that the party had done nothing to warrant his defection.

“If I was going to leave the PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed,” he said.

The former governor also criticized El-Rufai’s leadership approach, arguing that true leadership requires patience and selflessness.

“Leadership is done with patience and vision, and doing things for the peace of the followers and the country as a whole,” Lamido said.

He advised El-Rufai to prioritize patriotism over personal grievances, stating, “What should be done is to put patriotism first, instead of showing anger towards someone.”

Lamido reaffirmed that the PDP remains focused on rebuilding and strengthening itself after its loss in the 2015 presidential election.

Adewole Adebayo, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its 2023 presidential candidate, has provided insights into the defection of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.

Adebayo, in an interview, suggested that the SDP is poised to become a major political force ahead of the 2027 elections, as more leaders from the APC and other parties are joining—some publicly, others in secret.

Addressing speculations that El-Rufai is the biggest figure in the SDP, Adebayo dismissed such rankings, stating, “El-Rufai is not a fish at all. He is a fellow fisherman. So, he has just joined us on our fishing expedition.”

He emphasized that many political figures have already joined the SDP and that more will follow in due time.

“So, many will join. The summary of it is that we are looking for fishermen because Nigeria’s ship has sunk, and we need to go into the depths of the ocean to rescue the country,” Adebayo explained. He added that the SDP offers a viable platform for those disillusioned with the state of governance in Nigeria.

Adebayo rejected claims that the party lured defectors with incentives, instead attributing their decision to patriotism.

“It’s because it’s inherent in every Nigerian. And I can perceive it even from your voice that every Nigerian has that inherent patriotism in them,” he said.

He praised El-Rufai’s intellect and courage, saying, “El-Rufai is 65 years of age with his massive talent. He has the brain of 50 people combined. He has the courage of 1,000 people and he is ready to work.”

Adebayo stressed that more politicians would leave the ruling APC as dissatisfaction with the government grows.

“People will not be frustrated. People will not say, ‘what can we do now?’ Because Tinubu must know that after two years in office, there will be millions of people who don’t like him and his policies.”

He maintained that the SDP was not a sectional or fractional party but a national platform capable of winning elections across different levels in 2027.

Responding to speculation that El-Rufai might run for president, Adebayo said, “What I know regarding El-Rufai’s presidency is that he is qualified by age and by other requirements to aspire. He has not said he wants to aspire.”

He made it clear that if El-Rufai decided to contest, he would have to go through the party’s fair and competitive process.

“If he aspires, it has been written down by God, and it means that I will have to defeat him before I become president.”

Adebayo also dismissed rumors of a potential joint ticket between El-Rufai and Peter Obi.

“I don’t know all these names you are mentioning; they have not come to our party. Only El-Rufai is our member, and he is our member on merit.”

He highlighted that the SDP would not be used as a mere vehicle for personal ambition, saying, “The SDP is not available to be used for the ambition of people who are desperate and indiscriminate.”

Adebayo described the SDP as more than just an opposition party.

“SDP is the true face of the incoming government. That’s how we see ourselves,” he asserted.

He noted that people were beginning to appreciate the party’s consistency and foresight.

Some of those who previously opposed the SDP, he said, were now acknowledging its credibility.

“Some people opposed us before. And they said, ‘well, I only opposed you because you didn’t have any government experience. Now that we have tested those who have government experience and you are far better than them, what you predicted has come to pass.’”

Rejecting the idea of zoning the presidency, Adebayo stated, “The Presidency is neither in the North nor in the South. The Presidency is in the hands of the wrong people right now.”

He argued that the focus should be on electing a government that serves the people rather than dwelling on regional politics.

“So there is nothing called Southern Presidency or Northern Presidency. What we have is a government that serves the people or does not serve the people.”

According to him, the SDP’s mission is to restore governance that benefits all Nigerians.

“Are there not any honest people left in this country? If the answer is that there are, then where are they and why are they not marching to the SDP?”

Assessing President Bola Tinubu’s government, Adebayo was critical.

“It has been working off the syllabus. So, most of what they have done is off-syllabus because the syllabus for governance in Nigeria is the constitution.”

He pointed out that even the administration’s own budget performance was weak.

“Their budget last year underperformed, and even the President acknowledged that the budget performed below 30 percent.”

He also criticized Tinubu’s handling of national issues, from insecurity to economic policies.

“People are being carried up and down like cattle and the families have to redeem them back like goats,” he lamented.

On youth employment, he argued that the government’s approach was ineffective.

“He is not directing the youth to go and work. He is not recruiting them into commerce, agriculture, or railways. Nothing, he is wasting their time.”

Adebayo concluded by saying that the APC government was nearing its end and that the SDP was preparing to take over.

“They are on their way out. What we are trying to do is usher them in an orderly fashion.”

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over what it describes as the “patently unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to overturn the six-month suspension, which SERAP argues violates the senator’s fundamental rights and deprives her constituents of representation.

Last week, SERAP had urged Akpabio to immediately reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension or face legal consequences.

The organization followed through on its warning, as confirmed in a Sunday press release shared with PUNCH Online by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

Titled “SERAP sues Akpabio over failure to reverse the unlawful suspension of Natasha Akpoti”, the release announced that the suit with the number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, seeks “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stemmed from allegations that she “spoke without permission” and refused to comply with her reassigned seat in the Senate chamber.

The suspension not only bars her from participating in legislative activities but also withholds her salary and allowances.

SERAP, however, argues that this action is unconstitutional, stating that “no one should ever be punished for ‘speaking without permission.’”

“Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out,” the organization stated.

Beyond seeking reinstatement, SERAP is also asking the court for “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”

In its legal argument, SERAP contends that the suspension violates the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to express themselves and exercise their human rights freely,” the suit stated.

SERAP also argues that applying Sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules and the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan conflicts with constitutional provisions protecting freedom of expression.

“The unlawful restriction of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of expression has indirectly violated Nigerians’ right to receive information and ideas and seriously undermined the right of her constituency to political participation,” SERAP asserted.

Citing Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the organization emphasized that “every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

SERAP argues that “the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government.”

Additionally, SERAP references Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, stating that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

According to the organization, the Senate’s actions directly violate these constitutional rights.

“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions, which is clearly guaranteed in Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party,” SERAP argued.

The case also raises concerns about the broader implications of punishing lawmakers for expressing dissent.

“A higher degree of tolerance is expected when it is a political speech and an even higher threshold is required when it is directed towards government officials including members of the Senate,” SERAP maintained.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of SERAP by its legal representatives, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs. Adelanke Aremo.

“No date has been fixed for the hearing,” the statement concluded.

Senator Neda Imasuen, a Nigerian-trained lawyer, has yet to respond to reports of his disbarment from practicing law in the United States, despite the issue gaining attention in Nigerian media for over a week.

Documents reveal that Imasuen was disbarred in 2010 following a petition filed by an American citizen, Daphne Slyfield, who alleged that he failed to represent her in a court case after being hired and paid for his services.

According to official records, Slyfield submitted a petition to the Supreme Court of New York, prompting the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts to review the complaint.

The petition accused Imasuen of engaging in “professional misconduct,” leading to the appointment of George Friedman as a special referee to investigate the claims.

In July 2009, Imasuen was officially served with the petition and instructed to respond within 20 days.

The committee cautioned that failure to reply would result in the charges being deemed established.

However, records indicate that he did not respond within the given timeframe and did not seek an extension.

Reports suggest that he returned to Nigeria in 2010, the same year his disbarment took effect.

Since then, he has worked as a consultant for the European Union’s State Reforming Institutional Programme and served as the Jigawa State coordinator for the initiative.

In 2023, he won a seat in the Nigerian Senate, representing Edo South District under the Labour Party.

New York’s legal provisions state that attorneys disbarred due to felony convictions or professional misconduct may apply for reinstatement, but only after a minimum of seven years.

It remains unclear whether Imasuen has sought reinstatement; if he has not, his disbarment remains in effect.

Since reports of his disbarment emerged, the issue has dominated discussions in Nigeria, drawing extensive media coverage.

Multiple attempts by journalists to obtain his reaction have been unsuccessful.

Premium Times contacted Imasuen on Sunday through his known mobile number and followed up with text messages, but he did not respond.

On Wednesday, additional calls were placed to an alternative number linked to him, yet they went unanswered.

A text message sent that day was successfully delivered, but he remained silent.

Further inquiries were sent to his official email on Thursday, but as of the time of this report, there had been no response.

Imasuen, who chairs the Senate ethics committee, recently played a central role in the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The suspension followed her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

After reviewing a report from the ethics committee led by Imasuen, the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on February 20, citing misconduct and non-compliance with the chamber’s sitting arrangement.

Akpabio had referred the senator’s sexual harassment petition to the ethics committee, but Imasuen ruled that the petition was “dead on arrival” and would not be entertained by the Senate.

Prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Nigeria are reportedly planning a mass defection due to growing dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Among those expected to leave are former ministers from Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, past governors, and senators.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, officially defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Monday, citing a fundamental disconnect between his values and the APC’s current trajectory.

El-Rufai, who has been a vocal critic of Tinubu’s government, revealed on Wednesday that he sought Buhari’s approval before leaving the party.

His defection triggered a wave of departures, particularly among those who were part of the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which merged with others to form the APC in 2013.

Following El-Rufai’s move, a former House of Representatives member from Katsina, Ahmad Kaita, also joined the SDP.

Similarly, former Kaduna State commissioners Ibrahim Hussaini (Agriculture), Aisha Dikko (Justice), Amina Baloni (Health), and Halima Lawal (Education), along with ex-Head of Service, Hajiya Bari’atu Mohammed, have all abandoned the APC.

In Gombe State, Adamu Modibbo, who served as the APC’s campaign secretary during the 2015 elections, has also defected and now chairs the SDP in the state.

A former senator from the ninth National Assembly, speaking anonymously, disclosed that at least 10 former ministers from Buhari’s administration were making moves to leave the APC.

According to the source, key figures leading the defection include former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, and former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

The source explained, “What they’re waiting for is the finalisation of the party structure in their respective states.”

One of Malami’s close aides also confirmed his involvement in the movement, stating, “It is not about ousting Tinubu in 2027 but about our conviction that we have better and more credible constitutional alternatives to offer Nigerians in governance, particularly with regard to institutionalising a human-centred approach to governance.”

“We collectively abhor the prevailing order in which governance is commercialised to the detriment of Nigerians and their welfare. It seems to be a marriage of tendencies that cut across the existing political parties with high-profile politicians from PDP, defunct CPC, ACN and APC, among others.”

“In personality sense, those involved across the geographical zones include serving and former governors and senators, former ministers, and past and present party officials.”

A reliable source further listed some key political figures involved in the coalition movement, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).

Also mentioned were former Senate President David Mark, ex-APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, former Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba, and Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South).

An APC chieftain in Imo State confirmed that the CPC faction within the party had finalized plans to leave, stating, “That some ministers who served under Buhari are leaving or will leave the APC is confirmed.

However, they may not join the SDP, but I know they are part of the coalition movement.

“President Tinubu has mismanaged the success of our party, and it is painful that things are going awry every day. APC bigwigs, both in the North and South, are not happy, and the President doesn’t care. You don’t grow by reducing in size. The APC is reducing in size.”

“The CPC bloc of the party has also been leaving. You will agree with me that the CPC is a strong bloc in the APC, and if it is gone, I doubt if the APC will remain the same.”

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Minority Leader of the Senate, has denied claims that he staged a protest in the National Assembly demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Abaribe, who represents Abia South in the Senate, was alleged to have carried a placard during a protest that supposedly led to a shutdown of legislative activities.

However, in a statement issued by his media aide, Uchenna Awom, the senator described the report as completely false and urged the public to disregard it.

He argued that the claim was fabricated to undermine ongoing political efforts to secure Kanu’s release.

The statement, titled “Discard as False, Report of Senator Abaribe Disrupting Senate Plenary for Kanu,” reads:

“The office of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has been drawn to a false and very misleading report purporting disruption of Senate Plenary by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.”

“The report is false and was at best a concoction that defies logic.”

“It was a deliberate misinformation with a sinister motive aimed at sabotaging the ongoing effort at exploring a political solution for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

The statement further clarified that Senator Abaribe was last present at the Senate on Wednesday before traveling out of Abuja on Thursday for an oversight function in Ikwuano Umuahia, Abia State, organized by the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“In any case, the Senate does not sit on Fridays plenary sessions only hold from Tuesdays to Thursdays, making the claim of a shutdown on a Friday baseless,” the statement added.

Additionally, the statement emphasized that issues currently before the courts are not debated in the National Assembly.

“The case of Nnamdi Kanu is sub judice, and as a rule, the National Assembly does not interfere in judicial proceedings.”

“Therefore, Senator Abaribe could not have embarked on such an effort, knowing its futility.”

“He did not lead any protest or obstruct legislative proceedings.”

The senator’s office urged the public to dismiss the fabricated report and refrain from spreading unverified information.

The denial follows an earlier online report titled: “Senator Abaribe Shuts Down National Assembly, Demands Immediate Release of Nnamdi Kanu,” which has since been discredited.