The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised concerns over the recent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The Forum has called on the President to immediately reinstate the suspended officials, stating that the decision to impose the suspension does not align with the constitutional requirements for such actions.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the NEF, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the Forum expressed strong disapproval of the suspension, urging the President to restore the Governor and his deputy to their positions without delay. According to the NEF, the suspension of Governor Fubara and the state assembly was unwarranted, given the circumstances in Rivers State.
The NEF highlighted that, under Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the President has the authority to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country. However, the Forum argued that the conditions necessary for such an action were not met in Rivers State.
The relevant section of the Constitution allows the President to declare a state of emergency in response to specific circumstances such as war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, natural disasters, or a request from the state governor. However, the NEF stated that none of these conditions were present in Rivers State at the time of the suspension.
“It is a public knowledge and indisputable fact that none of these conditions actually happened in Rivers State,” the NEF statement read. “Except perhaps for personal vendetta in alliance with the President’s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State who has been in personal conflict with the suspended Governor for selfish interests rather than public good.”
The Northern Elders Forum’s statement suggests that the suspension may have been motivated by personal political interests rather than any genuine threat to public order or security in Rivers State. The Forum pointed out that such political disagreements should not justify the suspension of elected officials, especially when it does not meet the constitutional criteria for declaring a state of emergency.
The NEF has called on President Tinubu and the federal government to urgently resolve the political crisis in Rivers State. The Forum believes that lifting the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly members is crucial for restoring democracy, justice, and public order in the state.
“The Federal government and the President, in particular, must find a viable and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State, and also immediately lift the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly to restore the spirit of democracy, justice, and public order,” the statement continued.
The political situation in Rivers State has become increasingly tense, as the suspended Governor and other key officials have been at odds with the federal government, particularly with the President and his allies. The conflict appears to be fueled by a combination of political rivalry and personal grievances between the suspended Governor Fubara and influential figures, including the immediate past Governor of the state and the current Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In their statement, the Northern Elders also warned against allowing political conflicts to escalate in other states. The Forum pointed to the ongoing tensions in Kano, where there is a standoff within the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate, as an example of a potential conflict that could worsen if not addressed promptly.
“There exists a standoff and tussle in the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate,” the NEF noted, emphasizing the importance of addressing such disputes before they spiral out of control.
The NEF’s call for action is part of a broader effort to maintain stability and uphold democratic principles across the country. The Forum’s statement reflects growing concern over the impact of political instability on governance and public order in Nigeria. It highlights the need for the federal government to act responsibly and fairly, ensuring that the actions it takes are justified and in line with constitutional principles.
The suspension of Governor Fubara and the Rivers State Assembly has raised questions about the role of the federal government in state politics, and whether such actions undermine the autonomy of state governments. Critics argue that such moves could set a dangerous precedent, where political rivalries and personal conflicts lead to the interference of the federal government in state affairs.
At the heart of the matter is the principle of federalism, which grants states a certain degree of autonomy to manage their own affairs. The NEF’s statement underscores the importance of respecting this principle, calling for the restoration of democratic processes and the protection of the rights of elected officials.
The suspension of Governor Fubara and other officials in Rivers State has sparked a heated debate across the country, with many questioning the legitimacy and legality of the decision. While some support the President’s actions, citing the need for political stability, others view it as an overreach that undermines the democratic process.
As the political crisis in Rivers continues, all eyes are on President Tinubu and his administration to determine how they will handle the situation going forward. The Northern Elders Forum’s call for the immediate reversal of the suspension is a clear message that the people of Rivers State, and Nigerians at large, are watching closely to ensure that justice and democracy are upheld in the country.
The outcome of this dispute will likely have significant implications for the future of Nigerian politics, particularly regarding the relationship between state and federal governments. It remains to be seen how the President will respond to the NEF’s demands and whether the political tensions in Rivers State can be resolved in a way that restores peace and stability.
