Emergency Rule In Rivers: Opobo Chiefs Decry Suspension OF Governor Fubara, Call It A Dangerous Precedent

The council expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s actions, labeling them a gross misuse of power and a dangerous threat to the state’s political stability. During an emergency stakeholders’ congress of the Ijaw National Congress on Thursday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Vice Chairman of the Opobo Council of Chiefs, Edwin Brown, argued that the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly was a blatant assault on the democratic process.

Brown emphasized that such actions undermined the electoral mandate and posed a severe risk to the political stability of Rivers State. He referred to the suspension as “an unprecedented assault on the democratic process,” calling it an aberration and a violation of the constitution.

While acknowledging the president’s constitutional powers to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, Brown pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution does not authorize the suspension of democratically elected officials. He explained that the appropriate procedure for removing a governor is outlined in Section 188, which requires legislative processes, not executive orders.

He warned that the unconstitutional suspension could dismantle democratic structures and have lasting, damaging consequences for Nigeria’s democracy. “This will not help our fledgling democracy but will destroy all the gains made so far in this democratic dispensation,” he said.

Brown stressed that this issue was not just about Governor Fubara but about every citizen of Rivers State who participated in the democratic election. “Injustice in Rivers State is injustice all over Nigeria because we are all governed by one constitution,” he declared.

He expressed concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system and democratic institutions. He warned that the suspension could lead to widespread disillusionment, further undermining the credibility of the political process in the country.

Brown also highlighted the historical struggle of the Ijaw community for representation and political inclusion, pointing out that the Ijaw people had been fighting for over 24 years to regain their rightful place in governance. “To have that struggle undermined by a unilateral decision from the Federal Government is not just frustrating—it is an affront to our identity and aspirations as Ijaw people,” Brown said.

In light of the recent developments, Brown called for unity among Ijaw leaders and communities, urging them to resist any attempts to divide or silence their voices. “We must stand together in defense of our rights, our identity, and our aspirations as Ijaw people,” he concluded.