Rivers State Controversy: Tinubu's Emergency Move Sparks Criticism

A Staunch Critic Speaks Out

Renowned Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Anabs Sara-Igbe, has once again voiced his strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu's decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, along with his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly. In an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Sara-Igbe laid out his concerns in no uncertain terms.

Sara-Igbe minced no words when he described President Tinubu's actions as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The former spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) went on to explain that Tinubu's ability to carry out such actions stems from the National Assembly's failure to act as a check on the executive branch. According to him, the legislature is no longer an independent arm of government, leaving a vacuum that allows for unchecked executive power.

In a more alarming turn, Sara-Igbe warned that the situation in Rivers State is a sign of Nigeria sliding toward civilian dictatorship and possibly inviting military intervention. He echoed sentiments expressed by former President Oluesegun Obasanjo and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who have both claimed that democracy is under threat in Nigeria. Sara-Igbe agrees, emphasizing that when leaders disregard constitutional provisions, democracy itself is endangered.

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A Nation at Risk

Sara-Igbe painted a grim picture, asserting that Nigeria is veering dangerously close to dictatorship. "Civilian dictatorship is inviting the military brothers to come," he remarked. "It's like the inside rat in the house inviting the outside rat." He further elaborated that democracy is on shaky ground when leaders consistently ignore constitutional guidelines, leading to a breakdown in law and order.

He accused all three branches of government—the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary—of failing to uphold their constitutional duties during the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State. "They have violated the constitution," he stated firmly. "The president has violated the Constitution. If you look at Sections 188 and 189, it's clear that Mr. President has overstepped his bounds regarding Rivers State."

He elaborated, pointing out specific sections of the constitution that were ignored. "Even if you delve into Sections 183, 188, and 189, which deal with the removal or ineligibility of a governor, there's no provision that empowers the president to suspend or sack a governor." Sara-Igbe warned that the idea of permanently suspending the governor would mean the death of democracy, agreeing with those who believe Nigeria is heading toward dictatorship.

The Legislative Failure

Sara-Igbe also criticized the National Assembly for failing to adhere to constitutional procedures. "The legislature didn't apply the constitutional provision in Section 305, which requires a two-thirds majority of members to vote on issues of a state of emergency," he noted. "Instead, they conducted a voice vote, leaving us in the dark about how many people voted, how many were absent, or even present." This lack of transparency, he argued, undermines the rule of law and demonstrates a disregard for due process.

"All these actions happened without following the proper legal framework," he emphasized. "The rule of law is no longer in place. Mr. President should be cautious; that's my advice. He should reconsider his actions; he cannot destroy the country because of one individual. He should not tarnish his reputation or the entire democratic system."

Turning Back the Clock

Despite the gravity of the situation, Sara-Igbe offered a glimmer of hope, urging President Tinubu to reverse course before it's too late. "What's happening today is against the law and a direct insult to the Nigerian Constitution," he said. "Mr. President, as the head of government, still has the opportunity to make amends."

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He criticized another controversial move by Tinubu, pointing out that the president overruled a Supreme Court judgment concerning the release of funds to Rivers State without a presented budget. "The Supreme Court explicitly stated that no money should be released to the government in Rivers State until a budget is presented," Sara-Igbe explained. "Yet, Mr. President disregarded this ruling and released funds anyway. These actions are clear breaches of the Constitution."

Sara-Igbe concluded by highlighting the compromised state of the National Assembly and the judiciary. "The president is taking these actions because he knows the National Assembly has breached the constitution and is compromised. The judiciary, too, has lost its independence to the executive," he lamented. His final plea was a call for President Tinubu to rethink his approach, reminding him that the fate of the nation rests in his hands.