Constituents in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State, are set to launch another recall process against their state assembly representatives, Hon. Franklin Nwaobochi of Constituency I and Hon. Nkemjeka Ejewke of Constituency II, due to allegations of negligence, gross misconduct, and underperformance, according to a statement shared on X on March 17, 2025.
The recall effort, announced via a tweet on X, marks the second attempt to remove the lawmakers, though details of previous efforts remain unclear. Residents claim the representatives have failed in their duties, but specific incidents were not detailed in the post. Under Nigerian law, recalling a state assembly member requires a petition signed by more than 50% of registered voters in the constituency, followed by verification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a referendum within 90 days. If successful, a bye-election would follow.
As of Monday, no official petition has been submitted to INEC, and the representatives have not publicly responded. The process faces significant challenges, including mobilizing enough voter support to meet the legal threshold—a rare feat in Nigerian politics, with no successful state-level recalls documented since 1999.
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The decision highlights rising frustration in ONELGA, a region in Rivers West Senatorial District recognized for its Igboid-speaking communities and oil-rich economy. It’s worth noting that this step follows the FCT Minister’s recent visit to the state, which many saw as an attempt to undermine the widely popular governor in ONELGA. According to those familiar with the situation, this visit actually solidified the community’s determination. Still, the success of their efforts depends on navigating some tough legal hurdles.
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It bears mentioning though that this recall effort, if it gains traction, could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s state assemblies, highlighting constituents’ demands for effective representation.
