Laolu Akande Urges Siminalayi Fubara To Challenge Suspension In Court

Scope 04 Apr 2025

Laolu Akande Calls for Legal Action: 'Nigeria Has Bigger Problems'

Laolu Akande Calls for Legal Action Against Fubara's Suspension

Naija News is bringing you the latest development as former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande has stepped forward to weigh in on the political turbulence surrounding Rivers State. In a recent interview, Akande urged the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to challenge his suspension in court. Akande believes that Fubara should take a bold step and not rely on others to fight his legal battles for him.

Background of the Suspension

Let’s rewind a bit. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This bold decision led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of six months. The President justified his actions under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that the escalating political situation in Rivers State demanded immediate intervention.

Following the announcement, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retired), a former naval chief, was swiftly appointed and sworn in as the sole administrator for the oil-rich Niger Delta state. This move has sparked widespread debate and discussions across the country, with many questioning the legality and constitutionality of such an unprecedented decision.

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Akande’s Criticism and Advice

In a candid interview on Channels Television on Thursday, March 27, 2025, Akande expressed his surprise at Fubara's inaction. He pointed out that it is surprising that Fubara has not yet challenged the suspension in court. According to Akande, Fubara should not wait for the seven governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to file a lawsuit before the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Instead, he should take the lead and fight for his rightful position.

Akande strongly believes that it is illegal for an elected president to suspend an elected governor in such a manner. Drawing from his own experiences, he explained that if a similar situation had occurred during his tenure as Lagos State governor from May 1999 to May 2007, he would have immediately sought legal redress. During his time as governor, Tinubu, who was part of the opposition, famously challenged the seizure of local government funds by the then-President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.

Akande emphasized, “What the PDP governors are doing is commendable, and they might just save the day. However, I’m genuinely surprised that Governor Fubara himself is sitting on the sidelines. If someone had tried to pull this stunt on Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos, do you know what he would have done? He would have been the first one to march into court.”

Why Fubara Should Act

Akande further elaborated, “Fubara should be the first to go to court. He is still the governor, he still holds a legitimate status; he has not been officially removed. The suspension itself is questionable. The very first thing Governor Fubara should do, if he truly understands the gravity of the situation, is to take this matter to court. He needs to communicate to his people that what has transpired in Rivers State is unconstitutional, but unfortunately, he lacks the courage to act.”

“How can I, as a governor, simply step aside when the president, who was also elected, is asking me to leave? Of course, I will step aside to avoid unnecessary conflict, but I will not do so silently. I will take the matter to the courts and inform my people that they elected me. The president has asked me to go, and this is wrong. I will fight it. That is how we strengthen democracy. It’s not about people in flowing gowns; it’s about standing up for what’s right.”

In conclusion, Akande's message is clear: Governor Fubara must take responsibility and use the legal system to protect his rights and uphold the principles of democracy. The eyes of the nation are on him, and his next move could set a significant precedent for future political disputes in Nigeria.