Rivers Assembly issues arrest warrant for RSIEC chairman, commissioners

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued an arrest warrant for the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Retd.), along with four other commissioners, for failing to appear before the Assembly.

The lawmakers took this decision after the officials ignored multiple summonses, including a 72-hour ultimatum that expired on Monday and an earlier 48-hour deadline that lapsed last Friday.

During Monday’s plenary session, Speaker Martin Amaewhule and the Assembly unanimously approved the warrant, emphasizing their commitment to holding RSIEC officials accountable.

The lawmakers had summoned the officials to answer critical questions regarding the conduct of the state’s electoral processes.

Earlier on Monday, Ibiemebo Evelyn Thompson, the RSIEC Commissioner in charge of Transport, Logistics, and Store, resigned, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state.

Her resignation follows that of two other commissioners, Lazberry Nnah and Professor Simeon Weli, who stepped down last week for the same reason.

With the RSIEC Chairman, Justice Enebeli, yet to respond to the Assembly’s summons, it remains unclear what his next course of action will be.