- The Rivers State Assembly issued an arrest order for RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli after he failed to appear before legislators
- Despite an extended 72-hour deadline for his appearance, Enebeli did not show up during Monday’s plenary session, prompting the arrest order.
- In response, Enebeli and his commissioners have filed a lawsuit against the Assembly’s actions, while additional RSIEC members
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued an arrest order for Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), after he failed to appear before the legislators as summoned.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the arrest order was issued during Monday’s plenary session once the 72-hour deadline set for Enebeli had expired.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Eredo Bolar Chairman Distances Group from Cable Vandals, Calls for Vigilance
- Oyetola Assures Investors of Nigerian Ports’ Viability, Safety
- Jandor, Supporters Dumps PDP, Slams Bode George Leadership
Originally, lawmakers had extended a 48-hour deadline to 72 hours last Friday, giving the RSIEC leader a chance to address questions about the annulled local government elections of October 2024. Despite this extension, Enebeli, along with his fellow commissioners, did not attend the session.
In reaction, Enebeli and his commissioners have filed a lawsuit at the State High Court, challenging the Assembly’s decisions. Earlier, Ibierembo Everlyn Thompson, a member of the RSIEC, resigned from her position—marking the third resignation following a 48-hour ultimatum for the commission’s chairman to appear before the House of Assembly. Thompson referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
After the initial deadline lapsed, the Assembly granted an additional 72 hours for the chairman and his commissioners to clarify the sources of election funding.
FURTHER READING
- Senate Crisis Deepens As FCT Senator, Kingibe Reacts to Natasha’s Outburst and Allegations
- Goodluck Jonathan Reveals Pressures Behind Non-Implementation of National Conference Recommendations
- ‘Possible Chaos’ : Lagos Assembly Orders Remote Work Amid Obasa, Meranda Leadership Crisis
The Supreme Court had previously found that the elections were conducted in contravention of the Electoral Act and other relevant regulations.
Anticipating a potential bench warrant from the House of Assembly, headed by Martin Amaewhule, two other commissioners—Lazberry Nnah and Professor Simeon Weli—resigned, citing the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the election.
