By Samuel Anayochi
Martin Amaewhule has built a career on political machinations, consistently positioning himself as an agent of instability in Rivers State. His track record is riddled with attempts to undermine governance, always appearing at the center of impeachment plots against key political figures.
The Early Days: Sabotaging Local Government Leadership
Amaewhule’s involvement in political sabotage dates back to Nyesom Wike’s tenure as Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (1999–2003). During this period, he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the impeachment of the then Vice Chairman, Prof. Lawrence Chuku. This marked the beginning of his reputation as a willing tool in power struggles, willing to do the bidding of his political masters regardless of the consequences for governance.
2013: Targeting Governor Rotimi Amaechi
On July 9, 2013, as a member of the 7th Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaewhule spearheaded a motion to impeach Speaker Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, with the ultimate aim of unseating Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The move triggered a violent showdown in the Rivers State House of Assembly, plunging the state into a political crisis.
2023: A Failed Attempt to Impeach Governor Sim Fubara
A decade later, Amaewhule resurfaced as a major player in another impeachment attempt—this time against Governor Sim Fubara on October 30, 2023. However, unlike in previous years, Rivers people strongly resisted this plot, ensuring its failure. Despite his desperation, Amaewhule’s plans to derail the state’s leadership did not succeed.
A Consistent Pattern of Political Sabotage
One thing remains constant in Amaewhule’s political career: his readiness to serve as an instrument of discord. From local government to state assembly politics, he has repeatedly aligned himself against the progress of Rivers State, always seeking to undermine duly elected leaders.
Supreme Court Judgment: A New Power Play
Following a Supreme Court judgment recognizing his faction as the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaewhule has adopted an overbearing posture, acting as if he is the de facto governor of Rivers State. Since the ruling, he has escalated his attempts to assert dominance over Governor Sim Fubara, engaging in actions that suggest a calculated effort to pave the way for yet another impeachment attempt. These include:
- Demanding that Governor Fubara re-present the 2024 budget, despite its passage by lawmakers loyal to the governor.
- Calling for the removal of state commissioners, further escalating tensions within the government.
- Issuing threats and ultimatums, undermining the authority of the executive and fueling instability.
Amaewhule’s moves point to a deliberate strategy to weaken Governor Fubara and set the stage for another impeachment attempt.
The Ultimate Goal: Power Grab or Political Destruction?
It is clear that Amaewhule’s objective is to strip Governor Fubara of his authority, boxing him into a corner where impeachment becomes inevitable. But Rivers people must ask: Who truly governs the state—the elected governor or a legislator with a history of subversion?
The recent humiliation of Governor Fubara, who was locked out of the Assembly Complex on March 12, is deeply troubling. It signals that the ultimate goal in Rivers politics today is impeachment, not governance. Even Wike, during a recent media chat, made his intentions clear, declaring that “Heavens will not fall if Governor Fubara is impeached.”
A Message to Wike: Power is Transient
At the center of this crisis is Nyesom Wike, the self-proclaimed godfather of Rivers State politics. To him, a simple truth must be stated:
Give peace a chance. Power is transient.
When in power, do not get intoxicated by it. It is a temporary privilege—one that should never be abused or misused. The evil done to others always comes full circle, often at the least expected moment. Those who unleash tyranny while on the throne will eventually face judgment upon their exit. A leader may wield a knife while in power, but out of power, he becomes a piece of meat.
History is filled with examples of fallen rulers who lived at the mercy of their successors. Those who forget that tomorrow will come are always reminded, sometimes brutally.
Rivers People Must Resist Political Destabilization
Amaewhule may believe he holds all the cards, but history has shown that those who engage in political sabotage often meet an inglorious end. Rivers State must remain vigilant and resist any attempts to destabilize governance for selfish political interests. The future of the state should not be sacrificed on the altar of one man’s ambition.
Samuel Anayochi writes from Jos
