Breaking news: Lawyers are contesting President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor and his deputy
The recent decision by President Bola Tinubu to suspend the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state lawmakers for a period of six months has been met with widespread criticism from the legal community. In a move that has been described as unprecedented and potentially unconstitutional, President Tinubu announced the suspension in a live broadcast on Tuesday, citing the need to address the political crisis in the state.
Lawyers have faulted the suspension, arguing that it is a clear violation of the principles of democracy and the rule of law. According to them, the President does not have the constitutional powers to suspend elected officials, as this is a prerogative reserved for the legislative arm of government. The lawyers contend that the suspension is a blatant attempt to usurp the powers of the National Assembly and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which are the only bodies constitutionally empowered to remove or suspend elected officials.
Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines the procedure for removing a governor or deputy governor from office, which involves impeachment by the State House of Assembly. Similarly, Section 100 of the Constitution provides for the removal of lawmakers from office. In both cases, the process involves a thorough investigation, a vote by a two-thirds majority of the House, and a subsequent confirmation by the Senate. The lawyers argue that President Tinubu’s actions bypassed these constitutional provisions, thereby rendering the suspension null and void.
Furthermore, lawyers have expressed concern about the implications of the suspension on the democratic process and the stability of the country. They argue that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, where the executive arm of government unilaterally decides to suspend or remove elected officials without following due process. This, they contend, could lead to a breakdown in the rule of law, undermine the independence of the legislative and judicial arms of government, and create an environment of political instability.
In addition, the lawyers have questioned the motives behind the suspension, suggesting that it may be politically motivated. They point out that the action may be an attempt to install a caretaker government in Rivers State, which could be used to manipulate the political process and undermine the will of the people. This, they argue, would be a clear subversion of democracy and a betrayal of the trust placed in the President by the Nigerian people.
The suspension of the Rivers State Governor, his deputy, and the state lawmakers has also been criticized by civil society organizations and opposition parties, who see it as an attack on democracy and the rule of law. They have called on President Tinubu to reverse the suspension and allow the democratic process to run its course, while also urging the National Assembly to take immediate action to address the situation and prevent a constitutional crisis.
In conclusion, the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, his deputy, and the state lawmakers by President Bola Tinubu has been widely condemned by lawyers, who argue that it is unconstitutional and a clear violation of the principles of democracy. The action has raised concerns about the implications for the democratic process, the stability of the country, and the rule of law. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the National Assembly and the judiciary will respond to the suspension, and whether President Tinubu will reconsider his decision in the face of mounting criticism and opposition.
