Fubara Can Handle Supreme Court Ruling Without Tinubu’s Help – Former AG Nwoko Responds

In an interview with Vanguard on Friday, Nwoko dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to PANDEF leaders to advise Fubara on compliance, calling it unnecessary. He argued that the governor has never indicated any intention to defy the court’s decision.

“I believe the advice for Fubara to implement the Supreme Court ruling is unnecessary because he has no choice in the matter. However, for the President to offer such advice, he is acting as the father of the nation, showing his commitment to upholding the rule of law,” Nwoko stated.

He further clarified, “To be fair to Fubara, he has never said he will not obey the Supreme Court ruling. What other choice does he have? He doesn’t need such advice.”

Commenting on the recent incident in Rivers State, where Fubara was locked out of the State House of Assembly complex while attempting to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Nwoko viewed the event as a setback for democracy. He said, “It wasn’t a negative situation; it was in the full view of the public. Everyone saw that the governor tried to present the budget, but the lawmakers didn’t allow him entry.”

However, Nwoko advised Fubara to adopt a more strategic approach in handling the crisis, urging his advisers to think critically and navigate the situation effectively. “The governor has a card he can play. He must manage the situation well, as he has been somewhat casual about his approach. His advisers need to step up and be more strategic,” Nwoko added.

These remarks come after President Tinubu recently met with PANDEF leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he urged them to advise Fubara to embrace peace and adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling, in a bid to prevent further escalation of the feud between Fubara and Wike. The meeting, which was attended by key PANDEF leaders, including King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, focused on ensuring political stability in Rivers State.