06/03/2025
Solve tv: Ultimatum Below 7 Days Is Unconstitutional, Get Better Orientation About Your Office – RSIEC Chair Tells Amaewhule-led Assembly
RSIEC Chair cautions Amaewhule-led Assembly: 'Ultimatums with less than 7 days' notice are unconstitutional.' Chair urges Assembly to seek better understanding of their office's role and responsibilities."
Or, in a more formal tone:
"The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has advised the Amaewhule-led Assembly that issuing ultimatums with a deadline of less than 7 days is unconstitutional. The Chairman emphasized the importance of the Assembly acquiring a deeper understanding of their office's duties and responsibilities.
Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), has reacted to a summon notice issued by the state’s House of Assembly.
Amaewhule-Led Rivers Assembly, during a plenary session on Wednesday, called for the appearance of RSIEC’s boss over the conduct of 2024 local government elections.
Amaewhule also warned that failure to comply with the summons would result in the issuance of an arrest warrant against the RSIEC Chairman.
Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), has reacted to a summon notice issued by the state’s House of Assembly.
Recall that solve tv reported that Martin
Amaewhule-Led Rivers Assembly, during a plenary session on Wednesday, called for the appearance of RSIEC’s boss over the conduct of 2024 local government elections.
Amaewhule also warned that failure to comply with the summons would result in the issuance of an arrest warrant against the RSIEC Chairman.
The assembly also resolved to formally request Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the names of all commissioners who were not screened by the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
Reacting to the development in a letter dated 5th of March, 2025, through his lawyer, Kenneth A. Amadi, the RSIEC Chairman warned the Assembly to withdraw its ultimatum threat.
Citing section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Amadi noted that it is unconstitutional to issue a notice of summon, not less than 7 days.
He also called for better orientation for members of the assembly, saying that the state is not under dictatorship regime.
Solve tv:- The letter partly reads: “We write to issue a PRE-ACTION NOTICE respectfully requesting you and your Honorable Rivers State House of Assembly to withdraw the 48 hours ultimatum issued against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission directing him to appear before your Honourable Assembly.
“According to the principle of fair hearing, enshrined in both the Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the case of El-Rufai vs House of Representatives, National Assembly (2003), at least seven (7) day notice would suffice to honour an invitation from any legislature according the legislative Houses (Power and Privilege) Act. 2018.
“We use this opportunity to remind you that we are in a democracy and not a dictatorship wherein ultimatums are issued without regard to the relevant laws such as the legislative houses (Power and Privilege) Act. 2018.
“We respectfully suggest that both yourself and other legislators of the Rivers State House of Assembly undergo a re-orientation training workshop wherein you will be re- acquainted with the scope and ambits of your powers as a legislature as prescribed by the Nigerian constitution.
