Leaders Criticize Unilateral Directives Violating Constitution
The leaders and elders of Rivers State have vehemently rejected the recent intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the ongoing political turmoil within the state.
NN News Media recalled that following a three-hour meeting at the Presidential Villa between Tinubu, Governor Wike, and Governor Fubara, a truce was declared over the political crisis.
However, Rivers State elders convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday, where they denounced President Tinubu’s directives, asserting that they violate the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a communique read by former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada George, the elders highlighted their concerns, emphasizing that the directives unilaterally suspended the constitution by attempting to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie as the speaker.
They argued that such actions infringe on the doctrine of separation of powers, particularly concerning the judiciary’s role. The elders strongly criticized what they deemed “executive rascality” that undermines constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and good governance.
The elders, in their declaration, expressed dissatisfaction with the one-sided nature of the directives, which appeared to favor Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike. They specifically pointed out that the directive to re-present the budget passed and signed into law aimed to denigrate the office of the Governor and the people of Rivers State, including the Judiciary.
Conclusively, the elders asserted that any resolution or directive undermining the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law is deemed unacceptable, null, and void. They pledged to resist such actions through all constitutional means at their disposal.
