The Rivers State House of Assembly has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged financial mismanagement at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Speaker Martins Amaewhule, during a plenary session on Wednesday, accused RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), of misappropriating public funds without legislative approval. Lawmakers allege that billions of naira were spent outside budgetary provisions, prompting calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to intervene.
The Assembly, exercising its oversight function, also mandated RSIEC’s bankers to submit financial statements dating from January 2024. All 26 lawmakers voted in favor of the motion, highlighting the urgency of the allegations. If confirmed, the probe could have serious legal and political consequences for RSIEC’s leadership.
RSIEC’s Alleged Financial Mismanagement
Speaker Amaewhule said RSIEC’s leadership had repeatedly refused to appear before the Assembly despite multiple summons. Citing Section 128 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the legislature to scrutinize state institutions, he stated that RSIEC’s actions raised red flags.
“We are calling on them, but they are refusing to honor the summons of this August Assembly,” Amaewhule said. “This necessitates the involvement of anti-corruption agencies to ensure transparency and accountability.”
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Lawmakers accused Justice Enebeli and his team of failing to uphold their commitment to financial transparency during their confirmation hearings. The Assembly now wants anti-graft agencies to conduct a forensic audit of RSIEC’s expenditures under his leadership.
Political Implications and Next Steps
The call for an EFCC and ICPC investigation comes amid rising political tensions in Rivers State. On the same day, reports emerged that lawmakers allegedly barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara from presenting the 2025 budget, signaling a growing rift between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Observers say the probe could shake RSIEC’s credibility ahead of future elections. If found guilty, the chairman and other officials may face prosecution, potentially disrupting electoral processes in the state. Meanwhile, anti-corruption agencies are expected to act on the Assembly’s request in the coming weeks.
