Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to lift the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the move as unconstitutional and undemocratic
President Tinubu had in March controversially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly, citing the need to avert a total breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state. He also appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), as Sole Administrato
on Wednesday, Tinubu announced the end of the emergency rule, restoring the elected executive and legislature.
Reacting in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Atiku maintained that the president acted outside the constitution, stressing that no provision empowers a president to suspend a duly elected governor and state assembly.
“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about.
The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago, and it is still illegal today.
President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers.
The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration,” Atiku wrote.The former vice president said the development reflects a dangerous precedent and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against what he described as creeping authoritarianism in the country
