BREAKING: In Easter Message, Suspended Governor Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Good Governance in Rivers
As Christians faithfuls across the world celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has reiterated commitment to good governance in the state.
This was as a former chairman of the Port Harcourt branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to immediately call the Rivers Administrator to order Ibok-ete Ibas.
In his Easter massage titled: “Renewed by the Resurrection: Advancing Peace, Unity, and Good Governance”, Governor noted that Easter is a sacred season of reconciliation and unity.
He said “It is a time when the peace of Christ dwells richly in our hearts, restoring relationships, comforting the afflicted, feeding the hungry, and healing the brokenhearted.
It is a time to reaffirm our shared belief that peace shall overcome war, and that even shattered dreams can find new life in the light of the resurrection.”
The suspended governor continued that “This season renews our confidence that nothing neither hardship, nor adversity, nor even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ. In Him, we remain victorious.
I reiterate my unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers State.”
He however, called on Rivers people State to continue to support and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, while looking forward to a better tomorrow.
He added “Let us not lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we all desire is achievable when we act together as one people under God, committed to peace, unity, and progress”.
Reacting to the emergency rule in the State, Oko-Jaja (SAN) warned that continuous breach of the 1999 Constitution as well as orders and rulings of the Supreme Court may cause breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
Oko-Jaja, who said there was no reason and not enough grounds for declaration of state of emergency in the state, warned that the Sole Administrator was aggravating the alleged illegality by his actions that he said have thoroughly breached relevant sections of the law.
According to the SAN, “My position on the tension and crisis in Rivers State at the moment is that there was no need to declare any state of emergency in the state. I live in Port Harcourt and I can testify that the state is peaceful. So, there was no need to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
“Yes, state of emergency can be declared in all of or any part of the country, going by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, but it does not warrant removal of a governor or deputy or elected institutions such as members of the parliament.”
Oko-Jaja admitted that then President Goodluck Jonathan declared state of emergency in some parts of the country in his time, but reminded Nigerians that no part of ambit of government was suspended.
“It is wrong by the President to overreach himself and suspend the governor, deputy, and lawmakers in Rivers State as he has done at this moment.
“Now, by this action, we have a Sole Administrator in Rivers State. Again, he is overreaching himself by dismantling democratic institutions.”
Oko-Jaja recalled how the Sole Administrator has appointed new members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and sole administrators in the 23 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, saying “This action of his is not covered by the gazette from where he derived powers as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
“This is because Article 3 of that gazette stated clearly what he should do or what part of the government was suspended. It is only the office of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. No other institution was mentioned or suspended. So, where did the Sole Administrator get powers to dismantle these institutions he is dismantling?
He quoted the gazette thus: “Rivers State will be administered by a Sole Administrator who shall operate by regulations to be issued by me (President)”.
The SAN declared that the Sole Administrator is not to take any action not issued by the Office of the President, adding that people want peace in Rivers State. “He came and saw peace and said so. Let his actions not lead to a contrary situation.
