Fubara’s First Move: Removing All Ibas Appointees – Briggs Speaks Out

In an interview with Vanguard, Briggs accused the president of being deceived by those around him, suggesting that Tinubu may not be familiar with the realities in Rivers State. According to her, the president relied on the perspectives of individuals claiming to support him, disregarding the broader support from the people of Rivers and the Ijaw community.

Briggs argued that the suspension was unjust, pointing out that the House of Assembly complex, allegedly cited as a reason for the suspension, was over 80% completed, with Governor Fubara having already made the necessary payments. She dismissed claims that the governor had destroyed the complex or failed to provide an alternative venue as false.

Addressing allegations of insecurity, Briggs maintained that there was no crisis in Rivers State, asserting that the president had been misinformed. She expressed concern that the suspension was being used as a pretext to remove Fubara’s appointees and replace them with new ones, which she described as an unsettling and dangerous move.

Briggs also criticized the president for failing to follow the rule of law, particularly in releasing state funds to a sole administrator despite a Supreme Court ruling that required budget approval by the House of Assembly. She raised concerns that the sole administrator might be planning to appoint local government chairmen, which would violate the Supreme Court’s stance that such positions must be filled through elections.

The activist urged the president to reconsider his decision, emphasizing that admitting to acting on incorrect information would demonstrate leadership. She warned that the ongoing situation was causing unrest among the people of Rivers State, who remain supportive of Governor Fubara.