By Daniel Edu
Leaders and elders of Rivers State have expressed their discontent with the outcomes of President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing political crisis in the state, asserting that his directives were one-sided and in favor of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu had convened a meeting with both Wike and Governor Siminialayi Fubara at the Presidential Villa in an effort to resolve the political turmoil in Rivers State. Following the three-hour-long meeting, a truce was announced.
However, after an emergency meeting on Tuesday, the elders of Rivers State issued a communique, dismissing Tinubu’s directives as unconstitutional and unacceptable. Former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada George, read the communique, highlighting several points of contention.
The elders argued that the directives violated the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, undermining the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law. They expressed concern that the instructions attempted to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie as the speaker and interfered with the judiciary’s responsibilities.
The communique emphasized that any resolution or directive undermining the separation of powers and the rule of law is considered null and void. The elders pledged to resist such actions using all constitutional means at their disposal.
In particular, they criticized the directive to re-present the budget, viewing it as an attempt to denigrate the office of the Governor and the people of Rivers State. The elders affirmed their commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and good governance, urging against executive actions that contravene established legal principles.
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