Former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s intervention is not warranted in the ongoing political unrest in Ondo and Rivers states, citing constitutional limitations.
During the 2023 Annual Lecture at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honourary Members Forum in Lagos on Saturday, Fashola inquired, “Does the Constitution assign a role to the President in this matter?”
Fashola, highlighting the constitution’s explicit guidelines, dismissed calls for presidential involvement, asserting the importance of adhering to established procedures during such crises.
“Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and in Rivers states not aware that the President has no constitutional role in these matters?” he asked.
Commending “blue blood Ondo indigenes” for championing law and constitutionality in the face of recent turmoil, Fashola expressed satisfaction with their efforts, suggesting that their actions played a pivotal role in restoring calm before the governor’s intervention.
He stated,
“Happily, in our Ondo case, some blue-blood Ondo indigenes have stood up to be counted. But they are in an obvious minority.”
Looking ahead, Fashola urged the leadership in Rivers State to “do the needful” and avoid passing responsibility, emphasizing the significance of adhering to constitutional principles.
Rejecting the notion of overreliance on presidential action, Fashola argued for citizen accountability, stating that amendments to the constitution have been made, and now it is imperative for individuals to “amend ourselves.”
In conclusion, Fashola underlined the importance of self-amendment and accountability, urging citizens to refrain from improper demands for presidential intervention in situations where the constitution provides clear guidance.
On the flipside, prominent elders and leaders, spearheaded by former Governor Chief Rufus Ada-George, have declared the attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara as unacceptable.
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This declaration came during an emergency meeting held in Port Harcourt on Sunday, where a communique was issued and later made available to the press.
The communique, signed by Chief Rufus Ada-George, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe (the pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum), and 12 other influential figures, strongly condemned the recent defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in the State House of Assembly.
Expressing deep dismay, the elders highlighted the lack of response from both Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to their letters seeking an audience regarding the deteriorating political crisis. They described the current state of affairs as embarrassing and perilous, pointing to specific incidents such as the bombing of the State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023, and the alleged attack on Governor Fubara by security agents on October 30, 2023.
The communiqué read in part,
“The Forum regretted that neither Governor Siminialayi Fubara nor Chief Nyesom Wike responded to our letters seeking for audience with each of them.
“The attempt to impeach the Governor of Rivers State barely about six months in office without explaining to the good people of the state the reasons and infractions of law is unacceptable.
“The Forum condemned every form of violence and lawlessness in Rivers State and therefore demand proper investigation of the crisis and those responsible be brought to justice.
“The Forum reviewed the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Rivers State Government and urged the government to expedite action on rebuilding the demolished House of Assembly complex so that lawmakers will continue their legislative business in the permanent site within the shortest possible time.
“The Forum condemns in its entirety, the misuse of Rivers people political power vested in politicians by the people for personal gains and interest. Hence, we condemn in its entirety, the recent defection of 27 lawmakers without recourse to their constituents.”
The elders further revealed their awareness and rejection of reported attempts at “shopping and purchasing legal instruments outside Rivers State to cause a crisis in the State,” emphasizing the potential threat to human lives and property.
“An alleged already written/ premeditated court ruling by one Justice Donatus Okorowo of Federal High Court 8 Abuja on an ex parte application secretly filled in the night by pro-Wike former lawmakers which the judge wants to deliver on Monday where he wants to stop the declaration of their seats vacant (an action that have been done) and also give them the legitimacy to move in with DSS and police to start the illegal impeachment of Gov. Fubara”.
The elders characterized the unfolding events as disconcerting.
“The forum therefore urged the judiciary and all security agencies to be wary and alive in discharging their responsibilities in order not to worsen the already tensed atmosphere in Rivers State.
“Finally, the Forum urges President Bola Tinubu, to consolidate on his earlier intervention as the consequences of inaction may not only affect Rivers State, the Niger Delta region and the Federal Government,” the elders concluded.
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