The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has officially petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a thorough investigation into the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Adolphus Enebeli, over allegations of financial misappropriation.
During a plenary session held at the Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Speaker Amaewhule emphasized the Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to uphold transparency and accountability, particularly for agencies it establishes and oversees.
He recalled that Enebeli and other RSIEC commissioners had previously appeared before the House for screening and confirmation, during which they pledged to act in accordance with the law. However, the speaker expressed disappointment that the officials had since refused to honor summons from the Assembly.
“As the legislative body that enacted the RSIEC law and has oversight over its operations, it is our duty to ensure that public funds are used appropriately,” Amaewhule stated.
The speaker further alleged that RSIEC had spent public funds without due approval, budgetary allocation, or legislative appropriation, prompting the Assembly to escalate the matter to relevant anti-corruption agencies.
In addition to the petition, the House has summoned RSIEC’s bankers to present detailed financial statements covering the period from January 1, 2024, to the present date, as part of the ongoing investigation.
