As political tussle continues to escalate in Rivers State, stakeholders and residents knock the continuous development regarding the matter.
This followed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and 27 lawmakers, the state has witnessed rising tensions.
These tensions stem from the removal of Local Government Chairmen, the appointment of a Sole Administrator, and protests by women and various non-partisan organisations.
On March 18, the governor, his deputy, and the 27 lawmakers were suspended following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State—a move that was seconded through a voice vote by both the Senate and House of Representatives.
Since then, the state has experienced significant political unrest.
In response, eleven governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have engaged eleven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and six attorneys to challenge President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, which led to the suspension of the elected governor and the installation of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as the state’s Sole Administrator.
Read more:
- Rivers Emergency: Tompolo breaks silence, vows Fubara’s return
- Rivers women call for reinstatement of Fubara, demand justice
- Wike meets with Rivers Assembly members in UK
The SANs include Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. Others include M.S. Atolagbe, Ezenwa Ibegbunam, Chiamaka Anagu, Olakunle Lawal, Abduljalil Musa, and H.A. Adeleke.
The lawsuit, filed at the Supreme Court, is against President Tinubu and the National Assembly.
Additionally, former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, challenging the suspension of Governor Fubara and the lawmakers. The substantive hearing is scheduled for May 12.
The PDP governors involved in the Supreme Court lawsuit hail from the states of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa.
Tompolo Speaks
During his 54th birthday celebration, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo), Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, called for calm among the Ijaw people. He assured them that Governor Fubara would be reinstated.
“I assure you that Governor Fubara will return as Governor. We are already discussing. He and Wike are like son and father. Before he became governor, many Ijaws were against him, yet Wike was instrumental to his emergence, just like we also supported Wike.
He added, “And just like l will not accept rebellion from my son, l will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again, Fubara will return to his seat,” Tompolo said.
SSYI President Speaks
Reacting to the lawsuit, Mr. Oscar Imeabe, National President of the South South Youth Initiative (SSYI) and a resident of Rivers State, expressed doubts about the judiciary’s capacity to fairly handle the case.
He stated that Nigerian youths no longer have confidence in the judiciary.
“We no longer trust the judiciary. It has lost its glory and integrity. The recent Supreme Court decision regarding the case between Governor Fubara and the 27 lawmakers clearly showed that justice in Nigeria is compromised,” Imeabe said.
He alleged that the judiciary has been compromised under President Tinubu’s watch, and warned that Nigerians are observing the actions of the courts closely.
“It’s time for the judiciary to live up to its responsibilities. Unfortunately, we no longer see the courts as a true path to justice in this country. The president and the judiciary have compromised their integrity and are more focused on personal gain. The system is failing,” he stated.
Imeabe also called on President Tinubu to shift his focus toward governance and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
