The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a new twist as President Bola Tinubu’s attempt to broker peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has been met with fierce criticism and resistance.
On Monday, Tinubu met with Fubara, Wike, and other stakeholders in Abuja and announced an eight-point resolution that included reinstating the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and removing the speaker recognized by the Rivers State High Court.
However, many observers have questioned the legality and impartiality of Tinubu’s intervention, accusing him of overstepping his constitutional role and favoring his own party, the APC, over the interests of the people of Rivers State.
A Breach of The Constitution
One of the most vocal critics of Tinubu’s move is human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who said the presidential reinstatement of the cross-carpeting legislators is alien to the constitution and violates a Supreme Court ruling that states that a legislator who abandons the party that sponsored him automatically loses his seat in parliament.
Falana also argued that only a court of law can set aside the pronouncement of the speaker, who declared the seats of the 27 defectors vacant, and that the president has no power to remove him without the required number of legislators.
According to a report by The Guardian, he urged Governor Fubara to stand firm and resist Tinubu’s directives, which he said are not binding on him or the people of Rivers State.
A Lack of Representation and Balance
Another prominent figure who denounced Tinubu’s actions is Chief Edwin Clark, a former minister of information and an elder statesman. Clark said Tinubu had no authority to give orders to a democratically elected governor and that the peace agreement was fake and one-sided.
Clark claimed that he had information from Rivers State that Fubara did not sign the pact and that it was not endorsed by former governor Peter Odili, who was also present at the meeting. He also lamented the absence of Edison Ehie, the speaker affirmed by the constitution, and the inclusion of Martins Amaewhule, a former speaker and a loyalist of Wike.
A Threat to Democracy and Peace
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex ethnic group of the Ijaw people in Rivers State, also expressed its displeasure with Tinubu’s intervention, saying it was an ambush and a betrayal of Fubara, who is an Ijaw son.
The INC spokesperson, Ezenobi Oyakemeaagbegha, said the meeting was not fair and equitable, and that it did not reflect the wishes and aspirations of the Ijaw people, who are the majority in the state.
He warned Tinubu and Wike to respect the mandate of the people and the rule of law, and to refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the democracy and peace of the state.
Despite the controversy and tension, some groups and individuals have welcomed Tinubu’s initiative and expressed hope that it could lead to a lasting solution to the crisis.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commended Tinubu for his efforts and urged Fubara and Wike to embrace peace and dialogue for the sake of the students and the youth of the state. The NANS president, Sunday Asefon, said the students have suffered a lot from the crisis, which has disrupted academic activities and endangered their lives.
He appealed to the governor and the former governor to put aside their personal and political differences and work together for the development and progress of the state.
