Rivers Elders and Leaders have dismissed the results of President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the political turmoil within the State.
They opposed the instructions given by President Tinubu to Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara, asserting that these directives go against the constitution.
Following an urgent gathering on Tuesday, the elders declared the directives from Tinubu unacceptable and declared them null and void.
“A review of Mr. President’s directives for the resolution of the political impasse in Rivers State showed that the directives contravene the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which Mr. President swore to uphold at all times,” the Elders said in a communique read by former Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Rufus Ada George
“The directives unilaterally suspended the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under an attempt to reverse a court order recognizing Rt. Honourable Edison Ehie as the speaker directed that the remainder of the members of the House of Assembly constituted the quorum for legislative business.
“That the directive also contravenes the hallowed doctrine and practice of separation of powers, particularly as it affects the responsibility of the judiciary. Can Mr President or the executive arm of government overrule the decisions of the court of competent jurisdiction?
“This portends executive rascality which undermines our constitutional democracy, rule of law, and good governance.
“The directives to the parties were one-sided in favour of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike.
“The directive to re-present the budget passed and signed into law is a clear attempt to ridicule and denigrate the office of the Governor and the good people of Rivers State including the Judiciary.
“Therefore any resolution or directive that intends to undermine the principle of separation of powers and the rule of law is unacceptable, null and void and will be resisted, using all constitutional means at our disposal.”
