By Seyi Odewale
The Ogoni/Oyigbo People’s Assembly, led by prominent leaders and political stalwarts, has weighed in on the Rivers political imbroglio, urging Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to comply fully with the Supreme Court judgement without delay.
In a statement yesterday, prominent Ogoni/Oyigbo leaders expressed disappointment over Fubara’s serial flagrant flouting of the rule of law since the beginning of the Rivers political crisis.
The statement was endorsed by leaders in the Tai, Oyigbo, Eleme, Khana, and Gokana local government areas of Rivers State.
They include Senators Magnus Abe, Barinada Mpigi, Olaka Nwogu, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, Chief Victor Giadom, Chief Kenneth Kobani, Hon. Marcus Nle-eji,
Others were Dr Fred Kpakol, Rt Hon Dumnamene Deekor, Chief Ejor Ngonwah Ejor, Hon. Fred Igwe, Joe Poroma, Dr. Jacobson Nbina, Hon. Bernard Ngbar, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, Hon Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Chisom Dike, Hon. Gerald Oforji, Hon. Okechukwu Akara-Nwaogu, Hon. Aforji Obey Igwe, Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah, Chief Eric Nwiibani, Hon. Barile Nwakoh, Dr. Bariere Thomas, Dr. Innocent Barikor, Rt. Hon Dumle Maol and Hon. Confidence Deko.
The statement said they were “deeply disheartened and saddened by the recent actions and posture of the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, which directly contradict the rule of law and undermine the authority and judgment of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
It noted, “It has become glaring that Governor Fubara has wilfully disregarded two landmark Supreme Court Judgments pivotal to preserving democratic values and governance. The first Judgment of the Apex Court unequivocally recognized the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers and the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly as led by Rt. Hon Martins Chike Amaewhule, affirming their status as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The Apex court further, in its second judgment, sacked certain impostors who claimed they were elected council chairmen based on the fact that the purported election which brought them into office was null and void ab initio and thus ordered their removal from office.
“By flouting these court decisions, Governor Fubara disrespects the judiciary and sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilize our dear State.
“His insistence on governing the State without a valid appropriation law and his persistence on conducting local government elections without the amendment of the RSIEC law to put it in tandem with the Electoral Act is an affront to democracy and the doctrine of separation of powers. “
“We call upon Governor Fubara to immediately comply with the Supreme Court judgments, respect the legal processes, and demonstrate leadership that upholds the values of democracy. We therefore call on the Governor to:
“Present the 2025 Appropriation bill to the House of Assembly ably led by Rt. Hon Martins Chike Amaewhule
“Forward Commissioner nominations to the House ably led by Rt. Hon Martins Chike Amaewhule will be there for screening and confirmation.
“Respect the doctrine of separation of powers and not interfere with the Legislative Arm of Government.
“Withdraw his instruction given to the Head of Local Governments as this conflicts with the judgment of the Supreme Court in AG Federation v Attorney General of the 36 states wherein the court held that Local Governments can only be managed by democratically elected Chairmen and not by Caretaker Committees, Heads of Local Governments or any nomenclature used in describing them.
“We urge all stakeholders and concerned citizens to stand firm in the defence of justice and accountability, ensuring that no individual is above the law. Therefore, we caution those playing the drums of war and issuing public threats that no Rivers man is more Rivers than another, including the Governor.
“This dear State belongs to all Rivers men and women. The governorship of this state is not tied to any tribe but is a collective decision made by the people of Rivers State through the electorate.
“Governor Fubara must understand that the rule of law is the foundation of any functioning democracy, and his disregard for it is an affront to the progress we all seek for our state and nation, and if need be, he must face the consequences of his actions as encapsulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
