Blessing Iruoma
A group known as Simplified Queens, has accused the National Assembly of complicity in what it describes as an unconstitutional suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the group condemned the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu and the appointment of a sole administrator to take over the affairs of the state.
They warned that such actions pose a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and federalism.
The Oyigbo LGA Coordinator of the group, Ms Iheoma Nwankwo, who spoke on behalf of the 23 LGA coordinators in the state, faulted the National Assembly for allegedly approving the emergency rule via a voice vote, instead of securing the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority.
“The National Assembly’s reliance on a voice vote, rather than securing the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority for approving the state of emergency, represents a dereliction of its oversight responsibilities and raises concerns about the legitimacy of the process,” the group stated.
Simplified Queens further described the suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a sole administrator as illegal and unconstitutional, asserting that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected governor or dissolve the state House of Assembly.
“Such actions contravene the principles of true federalism and the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution. The suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of a sole administrator set a precedent that undermines democratic institutions and threatens the autonomy of state governments.”
They also accused the sole administrator of acting beyond his mandate by suspending all political appointees, heads of state-owned boards, and tertiary institution leadership in the state, claiming that he is being used to implement a political agenda allegedly orchestrated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Reports suggest collaboration with the FCT Minister to impose an unauthorized budget, and following through with the appointment of interim local government sole administrators, actions that violate constitutional provisions and disregard the Supreme Court’s judgment,” they said.
On Governor Fubara’s efforts to comply with the Supreme Court ruling affirming the Amaewhule-led Assembly, the group said his attempts were obstructed by some lawmakers bent on deepening the crisis.
“In response to the Supreme Court’s judgment, Governor Fubara made several efforts to restore stability, including presenting the 2025 budget to the recognized Assembly. Regrettably, these efforts were persistently obstructed,” they said.
The group urged President Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Governor Fubara, stating that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional threshold for a state of emergency.
“We earnestly appeal to President Tinubu to reconsider and reverse the suspension of Governor Fubara. The ambitions of a select few must not steer our nation toward authoritarianism,” Simplified Queens said.
They also reaffirmed their loyalty to suspended Governor Fubara and called on Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“We stand resolute in our dedication to defending democratic values and ensuring that the will of the people is respected and upheld. We plead with Mr. President to reinstate and return our elected and peaceful Governor Fubara to his rightful place.”
