PicNews
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed disappointment over the lifting of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension in Rivers State, calling it “nothing to cheer about”. Atiku believes the suspension was unconstitutional and illegal from the start, and President Bola Tinubu had no authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and lawmakers.
Atiku criticized the president’s actions as evidence of growing authoritarianism in the federal government, warning that this trend threatens Nigeria’s democracy. He emphasized that the Constitution clearly outlines the procedures for removing a governor from office, which doesn’t include suspension by the president.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also criticized President Tinubu’s decision, urging him to apologize to Nigerians for suspending Governor Fubara. They described the action as executive overreach and a violation of the Constitution. Similarly, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) condemned President Tinubu’s actions, stating that the president lacks the power to remove Governor Fubara.
Atiku’s reaction highlights concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Nigeria. The controversy surrounding Rivers State is far from over, with many questioning the federal government’s intervention. President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State six months ago due to a political crisis, citing a total breakdown of governance and insecurity.
The president’s decision to lift the suspension and reinstate Governor Fubara has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. While some see it as a step toward peace, others describe it as evidence of authoritarian governance. Over 40 court cases were filed challenging the legality of the emergency rule, but President Tinubu maintained that the step was necessary to “arrest the drift towards anarchy” and restore public order.
