Niger Delta activist and elder statesman, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has condemned the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling it an illegal action that violates the Nigerian Constitution.
Sara-Igbe, speaking on the development, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of acting beyond his constitutional powers in suspending an elected governor.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, he alleged that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, played a central role in the political turmoil, describing him as the president’s “hatchet man.”
“The suspension of Fubara is an illegal action. The constitution does not empower the president in any way to take such a step,” Sara-Igbe said.
He also alleged that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State was a pre-planned move to weaken Fubara and force him into submission. He criticised the overwhelming security presence that accompanied Wike’s recent visit to Rivers State, claiming it was intended to create tension and justify emergency rule.
“The minister came to Rivers State with the army, police, navy, air force, DSS, gunboats, tanks, and artillery, all just for a visit. The intention was to create a crisis so that a state of emergency could be declared,” he said.
Sara-Igbe further accused the presidency of favouring one side in the conflict, stating that President Tinubu had not held Wike accountable for his role in the crisis, despite multiple allegations that he was behind the political instability in the state.
“If you are a father and you have two children fighting, you must be fair to both. You cannot punish one and leave the other, especially the one causing the trouble,” he said.
Chief Sara-Igbe stressed that President Tinubu has no constitutional power to suspend or remove a sitting governor, citing sections 182, 183, 188, and 189 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outline the only legal processes for the removal of a governor or deputy governor.
“Nothing in the constitution gives the president the power to suspend a governor. When you infringe on the constitution, people will challenge you,” he stated.
He further argued that democracy in Nigeria was at risk if such actions continued unchecked.
“Our democracy is at risk because leaders must stand by the truth. If you suspend an elected governor, why not also remove the minister responsible for the crisis?” he asked.
Sara-Igbe urged the federal government to reconsider the state of emergency declaration and Fubara’s suspension, stating that the situation should be resolved through constitutional and legal means rather than executive orders.
“The governor is willing to implement the Supreme Court judgment, but his opponents refuse to accept it. If we continue down this path, democracy itself is in danger,” he warned.
He called for fairness and balance in addressing the crisis, urging President Tinubu to ensure that all parties involved—including Wike—are held accountable.
The situation in Rivers State remains tense, with political observers warning that the crisis could have wider implications for governance and stability in Nigeria’s South-South region.
Chioma Kalu
Follow us on:
