The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, delivered a keynote address at the inaugural public engagement hosted by the Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt.
The event, themed “Advancing Politics and Legislature”, brought together academics, political leaders, civil society members, and students for an in-depth discourse on democratic governance.
Addressing the gathering, Amaewhule described the legislature as the cornerstone of democracy, referring to it as both the “symbol and heartbeat” of any democratic society.
He pointed to what he described as the resilience of the Rivers State House of Assembly during the recent political crisis, stating that under his leadership, the Assembly upheld the sanctity of democracy and defended the rule of law.
According to the speaker, “the legislature is the symbol of democracy. It will go down in history that during the political crisis in Rivers State, the House of Assembly under my leadership upheld the sanctity of democracy and defended the rule of law.”
Amaewhule elaborated on the tripod functions of the legislature which he said are lawmaking, oversight, and representation, describing them as the foundational pillars of effective governance.
He said lawmaking provides the legal framework necessary for governance, ensuring peace, order, and development. Oversight, he noted, enables the legislature to hold the executive accountable, fostering transparency and fiscal responsibility. Representation, he said, bridges the gap between the people and the government, ensuring that citizens’ needs and aspirations are reflected in public policy.
The speaker also made reference to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly on provisions related to continuity of governance in times of national instability. He explained that in cases where elections cannot be conducted, the Constitution empowers elected officials, including the President and members of the National Assembly, to remain in office until elections are eventually held.
Citing judicial precedent, Amaewhule referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment which upheld that elected officials at the local government level can remain in office in the absence of elections, a stance he said reinforces governance continuity.
“The Supreme Court has settled this matter. There is now a judicial precedent confirming that, in the absence of elections, those duly elected can continue in office until new elections are held. This reinforces the stability and continuity of governance,” he stated.
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He applauded the University of Port Harcourt’s Centre for Politics for launching the engagement series, describing it as a vital platform that connects academic insight with practical governance.
Amaewhule encouraged students to take an active interest in legislative processes and political dialogue to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Present at the event were the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Georgewill Owunari; prominent politician, Prince Tonye Princewill; senior university academics; members of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and representatives of civil society organisations.
