Fubara demonstrated a readiness to implement the decision of the Supreme Court, but the House of Assembly did not collaborate with him.
The stakeholders in Rivers State, who are under the auspices of the Simplified Queens, have made a request to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the suspensions that have been placed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the members of the House of Assembly.
Recall that on Tuesday March 18, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers state due to the political crises and instability that has been plaguing the state.
Additionally, Tinubu placed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other members of the Rivers assembly, under suspension for a term of six months.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who had previously served as Chief of Naval Staff, was also appointed by Tinubu to serve as the sole administrator for a period of six months.
On Thursday, March 20, the National Assembly adopted the proclamation and gave it its final approval.
According to statements made by the stakeholders on Thursday April 17, in Port Harcourt, they asserted that Fubara demonstrated a readiness to implement the decision of the Supreme Court, but the House of Assembly did not collaborate with him.
Tinubu was asked by the Simplified Queens, who communicated their request through their Oyigbo Local Government Area Coordinator, Miss Iheoma Nwankwo, to carefully examine the authority that Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution grants him to proclaim a state of emergency.
“Section 305 does not confer on the President the Authority to suspend a democratically elected governor or dissolve a state House of Assembly, such actions contravene the principles of Federalism and separation of powers as enshrined in the constitution.”
The acts of the Sole Administrator, particularly his decision to suspend political appointees, heads of departments, agencies, and boards of tertiary institutions, Nwankwo added, have contributed to an increase in tension inside the state.
It was indicated by Mr. Progress Hart, the Director-General of Simplified Queens, that the people of Rivers were dissatisfied with the establishment of a state of emergency.
The Director said, “If His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara returns as the Executive Governor of Rivers State, definitely the House of Assembly will also return. As a good citizen I also appeal to the House of Assembly to sheathe their sword, Rivers State is for everybody.”