Rivers State Crisis: APC Chieftain Condemns Supreme Court Ruling, Praises Fubara’s Resilience
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has strongly criticized the Supreme Court ruling regarding the ongoing dispute in the state’s House of Assembly, calling it a blow to Nigeria’s democracy and an act of war against the people of Rivers State. He also extended his congratulations to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his perseverance in the face of what he termed as “anti-democratic forces.”
In a statement following the court’s decision, Eze described the ruling as not only an unfortunate event but a “Black Friday” for Nigeria’s nascent democracy. The court had ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt the release of funds to the Rivers State government until a properly constituted House of Assembly is formed. Additionally, the court ruled that Martin Amaewhule, a member of the state assembly, should immediately resume his position along with all other elected lawmakers.
The dispute in the Rivers State Assembly revolves around the defection of several lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move that has sparked controversy and unrest in the state. The ruling by the Supreme Court, according to Eze, disregards key facts, including the political implications of Amaewhule’s defection, and perpetuates what he calls an “illegality.” He described the court’s decision as a major setback for democratic principles in Nigeria.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Post, Eze expressed his disappointment with the Supreme Court’s stance: “The court’s support for the illegality of asking Amaewhule to continue sitting is not only unfortunate but also wicked, evil, and undemocratic. It’s a declaration of war against the people of Rivers State and against the very essence of democracy in Nigeria.”
Eze emphasized that the ruling was not merely a personal attack on Governor Fubara but rather an assault on democratic values. “Nigerians should recognize that this attack on Rivers State is a direct assault on our democracy. It is not just about Gov. Sim Fubara; it’s about preserving our democratic process. Nigerians must stand up and defend our democracy,” he said.
The APC chieftain also pointed out the grave implications of the court’s directive to the CBN to withhold federal funds from Rivers State. According to Eze, this move serves as part of a larger plot to undermine the state’s development, potentially stifling its contributions to the nation’s economy. He further criticized the decision as an attempt to reverse the progress achieved under the previous administration.
“The next few days will reveal how these schemes to remove the Governor and derail the state’s progress will unfold,” Eze warned. “No matter what happens, Sim Fubara has shown great resilience. He’s exposing how one individual’s ambition is threatening to derail the development of the state and pocket its resources for personal gain.”
In contrast, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, welcomed the Supreme Court ruling, describing it as a decisive step towards ending what he termed as impunity in the state. Wike, who had been a vocal critic of Fubara’s leadership, argued that it was unprecedented for a state assembly to function with just a few members. He also suggested that Fubara’s actions had violated constitutional provisions, potentially warranting impeachment.
Wike’s remarks echoed the sentiment of many opposition figures who have long accused Fubara’s administration of undermining the legislative process and enabling political maneuvering at the expense of the state’s governance. Despite these claims, the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers has affirmed that the Supreme Court ruling will not change Fubara’s position as the legitimate Governor of Rivers State.
Despite the divided reactions to the court’s ruling, it is clear that the political crisis in Rivers State is far from over. The legal and political ramifications of the decision will continue to unfold in the coming days, with both supporters and opponents of Governor Fubara bracing for what lies ahead. As the battle for control of Rivers State intensifies, the people of the state will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the courts, the government, and political leaders navigate this contentious issue.
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Rivers State Crisis: APC Chieftain Condemns Supreme Court Ruling, Praises Fubara’s Resilience