The results of President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the political crises roiling the State have been rejected by the Elders and Leaders of Rivers.
The elders and leaders objected, claiming that President Tinubu’s orders to Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara violated the constitution.
Emerging from an emergency meeting on Tuesday, the elders declared that Tinubu’s commands were inappropriate and void.
In a statement read by former Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George, the Elders stated, “A review of Mr. President’s directives for the resolution of the political impasse in Rivers State showed that the directives contravene the Federal Republic of Nigeria constitution which Mr. President swore to uphold at all times.”
The directives attempted to overturn a court ruling that recognised Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie as the speaker and stipulated that the remaining members of the House of Assembly constituted the quorum for legislative business, thereby unilaterally suspending the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution.
“That the directive also goes against the sacred theory and custom of the separation of powers, especially insofar as it impacts the judiciary’s accountability.” Is it possible for the President or the government’s executive branch to overturn a court’s ruling that has jurisdiction?
This is a sign of impending executive misbehaviour that threatens the rule of law, our constitutional democracy, and sound governance.
“Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike was the beneficiary of the party-biased orders.
The order to re-present the budget that was approved and signed into law is obviously an attempt to make fun of and disparage the governor’s office, the good people of Rivers State, and the judiciary.
Therefore, “we will resist, using all constitutional means at our disposal, any resolution or directive that seeks to undermine the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law is unacceptable, null and void.”
