Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum Condemns Tinubu’s Directives Amidst Political Crisis

Rivers State Elders and Leaders Forum convened urgently on December 19, 2023, responding to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives aimed at resolving the political crisis in Rivers State. While commending the President’s prompt intervention, the forum questions whether it has truly resolved the crisis or exacerbated it. The directives, reviewed by the Forum, allegedly contravene the Nigerian constitution, suspending it unilaterally by attempting to reverse a court order and influencing legislative quorum.

The Forum asserts that President Tinubu‘s interference challenges the constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the doctrine of separation of powers, specifically encroaching upon the judiciary’s domain. The one-sided directives favoring Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike raise concerns about executive overreach, sparking worries about the erosion of democratic principles.

Legal Implications and Opposition

In a meticulous examination conducted by The Forum, a comprehensive analysis unveils the legal intricacies surrounding the directives at hand. Emphasizing the potential legal consequences, the discussion delves into the contradiction between the President’s actions and due process. Notably, The Forum underscores a notable conflict with a Rivers State High Court decision, arguing that the reinstatement of specific legislators following their defection to another party goes against established legal norms. This incisive analysis not only scrutinizes the directives but also questions their compliance with fundamental principles of justice, offering a thought-provoking exploration into the legal implications at play.

By shedding light on the discrepancies between the President’s directives and established legal precedents, The Forum’s analysis serves as a compelling critique of the directive’s legality. The assertion that certain legislators cannot be reinstated after switching parties forms a key focal point, challenging the legal soundness of the actions taken. This scrutiny not only raises awareness about potential legal ramifications but also prompts a broader conversation about the adherence of these directives to principles of justice. As such, The Forum’s thorough exploration contributes significantly to the discourse surrounding the directives, aiming to foster a nuanced understanding of their legal implications and their alignment with fundamental principles of due process and justice.

Executive Rascality and Hypocrisy

In this critical analysis, the third point delves into the perceived executive rascality within the directives, casting a spotlight on the President’s alleged hypocrisy. The critique revolves around the apparent inconsistency in providing accommodations for legislators, drawing attention to the disparity between Abuja and Rivers State. Specifically, it questions the dichotomy between the FCT Minister facilitating accommodations in the capital city while, simultaneously, the House of Assembly in Rivers State is claimed to have the freedom to convene anywhere. This stark contrast serves as the crux of the argument, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy in the President’s approach, and sets the stage for a deeper examination of the political landscape.

Moreover, the critique skillfully juxtaposes the President’s characterization of the FCT Minister as the “LANDLORD OF ABUJA” against the backdrop of the alleged executive rascality. This choice of words adds a layer of irony to the analysis, underscoring the discrepancy between rhetoric and action within the political sphere. By emphasizing this rhetorical flourish, the critique aims to resonate with readers and stir reflection on the perceived contradictions within the leadership. This dual focus on inconsistency and rhetorical dissonance positions the analysis strategically for a thorough exploration of the perceived executive rascality and its potential implications.

Budget Representation and Denigration of the Office

In the fourth segment, we thoroughly examine the profound implications of these directives on the budgetary framework, shedding light on their perceived intent to denigrate both the Governor’s office and the populace of Rivers State, extending even to the esteemed Judiciary. This comprehensive analysis highlights the Forum’s contention that the directive not only poses a substantial threat to the fiscal landscape but also signifies a deliberate effort to diminish the stature of the Governor’s office and exhibit disregard for the intricacies of the state’s judicial procedures. By unraveling the multifaceted repercussions, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between these directives, the budget, and the broader dynamics shaping the political and legal landscape of Rivers State.

In dissecting the directive’s impact on both the Governor’s office and the state’s judicial system, this segment elucidates the Forum’s assertion that such directives inherently compromise the dignity of the Governor’s office while concurrently casting a shadow on the integrity of the judicial processes in Rivers State. By emphasizing the nuanced interconnection between these elements, our exploration aims to underscore the gravity of the situation and its far-reaching implications. This analysis not only serves to inform the audience about the intricacies of the directives but also positions the content strategically.

Mobilizing Responsible Citizens for Justice in Rivers State

In this pivotal segment, we issue a compelling call to action, rallying conscientious citizens to safeguard Rivers State from perceived injustices. Delving into the annals of history, we invoke the spirit of those valiant individuals who championed the establishment of the state. Our narrative emphasizes the inherent duty of citizens to stand against the entrenchment of injustice within the political framework. By weaving a narrative that ties the present struggle to the historical fight for statehood, we foster a sense of continuity, urging citizens to draw inspiration from the past and actively resist when confronted with systemic injustice.

Rooted in the historical tapestry of Rivers State, this section underscores the Forum’s commitment to fostering a collective sense of duty. By aligning with the historical struggle for the state’s creation, we emphasize the enduring importance of citizens resisting injustice. The narrative weaves together the past and present, compelling responsible citizens to recognize their role in upholding the principles that define Rivers State. Through this call to action, we empower individuals to become agents of positive change, urging them to contribute actively to the ongoing narrative of justice and fairness within the state’s political landscape.

Condemnation and Assertion of Constitutional Rights

The final segment unequivocally condemns the directives and asserts that any resolution undermining the separation of powers and the rule of law is null and void. The Forum pledges to resist using all constitutional means, emphasizing the commitment to upholding democratic principles.

Former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada George, read the comprehensive communique, which encapsulates the Forum’s concerns and positions on the political crisis in Rivers State. The Forum’s stance emphasizes a commitment to constitutional democracy, justice, and the welfare of the people.