Rivers Crisis: Tinubu’s Intervention Lacked Democratic Principles, Say Fubara’s Kinsmen

Kinsmen of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have voiced their disapproval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to resolving the ongoing political crisis in the state, citing a dearth of democratic principles.

Operating under the banner of Opobo Elder Statesmen 4 Sim, Fubara’s kinsmen outrightly rejected the resolutions made during the recent meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Their disapproval stemmed from the perceived absence of a solid legal basis within the agreement and the contentious debate over its legitimacy.

In a communique issued following an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday, the group highlighted that, within the constitutional framework, the President lacks the authority to interfere in a state’s internal affairs.

The joint signatories of the communique were the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the group, Alabo Reuben Mietamuno Saturday-Jaja, Chairman Alabo Edwin Cockeye Brown, and other executive council members.

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The elders stressed that Tinubu’s role primarily revolves around overseeing federal appointees and does not extend to dictating terms to a governor.

Stressing constitutional constraints, the communique asserted that the President’s agreement cannot override court rulings, especially those concerning legal proceedings such as impeachment or legislative matters.

The group challenged the directive to withdraw court cases, citing the constitutional provision that mandates vacant seats for legislators who defected without adhering to party division or merger protocols.

Moreover, the communique strongly upheld the recognition of only the members of the Edison Ehie-led House of Assembly as legitimate representatives, questioning the legitimacy of the positions held by the legislators who defected under Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule’s leadership.