Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the lifting of Governor Sim Fubara’s suspension in Rivers State, describing the initial action by President Bola Tinubu as unconstitutional.
On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following a prolonged political standoff between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The President subsequently suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months, installing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs.
The move sparked controversy, with critics alleging that it breached the Constitution, while supporters considered it a pragmatic solution to the political deadlock.
Fubara later met with Tinubu and Wike to resolve tensions, and Wike confirmed that their political rift had been settled. On Wednesday, Tinubu ended the state of emergency and directed Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers to resume work on Thursday, September 18.
Despite this, Atiku, via his official X handle, criticized the original suspension, stating:
“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about. The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today. President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”
The former vice-president’s comments underscore the enduring debate over the legality of Tinubu’s actions and the balance of power between the federal government and state authorities.
