By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has said that history will remember the state legislature for defending the rule of law and upholding democratic principles during the political crisis that rocked the state.
Amaewhule stated this at the maiden public engagement programme organised by the Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt, with the theme “Advancing Politics and Legislature.”
He said the Assembly under his leadership acted within constitutional bounds despite the turbulence that led to the suspension of both the executive and legislative arms of government for six months.
“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 said.
The Speaker emphasized that the legislature’s core duties — lawmaking, oversight, and representation — are the bedrock of any democratic system. He added that these functions ensure transparency, accountability, and a direct connection between the people and government.
Referencing the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Amaewhule explained that the law empowers those in authority to remain in office during instability or emergencies until elections can be held, noting that this guarantees the continuity of governance.
He also cited a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming that duly elected officials could remain in office in the absence of elections, describing it as a vital precedent for democratic stability.
Earlier, Prince Tonye Princewill, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, said sustainable development relies more on the quality of politics and governance than economic growth alone.
“When politics is guided by vision, values, and viable impact, and governance rooted in transparency and accountability, nations will rise,” Princewill said.