UNCONSTITUTIONAL POWER PLAY: PRESIDENT TINUBU’S REMOVAL AND SUSPENSION OF GOVERNOR FUBARA AND RIVERS STATE OFFICIALS – SALMAN, Fawaz Adewale.

The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left many Nigerians stunned and concerned about the state of our democracy. The President’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly has sparked outrage and raised fundamental questions about the limits of executive power in Nigeria.As I delve into the details of this development, I am compelled to ask: what exactly is going on here? Is this a genuine attempt to address a security crisis, or is it a blatant power grab by the President?Let’s examine the facts. The President’s declaration of a state of emergency is purportedly based on the prevailing political tension in Rivers State and the vandalization of pipelines. But do these grounds really meet the constitutional threshold for such a drastic measure?Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. These include war, external aggression, breakdown of public order, and natural disasters. It’s hard to see how the current situation in Rivers State meets any of these criteria.Moreover, the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor under Section 188, which has not been followed in this case. Similarly, the removal of members of the House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament is governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws, which have been ignored.The declaration of a state of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials, and such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.The suspension of Governor Fubara and his officials is a clear violation of their constitutional rights and a dangerous precedent for our democracy.The National Assembly must take a stand against this unconstitutional power play. They must reject any attempt to ratify the President’s declaration and ensure that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.As citizens, we must also make our voices heard. We must demand that our leaders respect the Constitution and the democratic principles that our country is founded upon.This is not just about Rivers State or Governor Fubara. It’s about the future of our democracy and the kind of country we want to build. Let’s stand up for what is right and ensure that our leaders are held accountable for their actions.