Port Harcourt, Rivers State - A group of concerned Rivers State citizens has penned a strongly worded letter to President Bola Tinubu, demanding the immediate revocation of the recently imposed emergency rule in the state. They argue that the move undermines democratic principles and the will of the people.
The citizens, in their statement, contend that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly represents a "blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State" and effectively consolidates power in the hands of the federal government.
They further assert that the conditions stipulated in Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the criteria for declaring a state of emergency, were not met. The group alleges that the emergency rule was based on "false and illegal justifications, including the alleged pipeline explosion."
"Due to the failure to meet constitutional requirements, any attempts by certain individuals to fabricate or create these conditions constitute a criminal act and a severe obstruction of justice," the statement reads.
The citizens are calling for a thorough investigation into who "manufactured the nonexistent conditions" that led to the declaration of the emergency rule, which they believe has plunged Rivers State into "a state of political uncertainty."
"We respectfully submit that the state of emergency was imposed using false and illegal justifications, including the alleged pipeline explosion. Therefore, it should be lifted and the governor reinstated," they stated.
They further allege that the declaration of the emergency rule "could simply be translated as a reward for criminality" and urged President Tinubu to "respect the quasi-autonomy of Rivers State and allow the democratic process to proceed without any interference."
The statement was signed by prominent Rivers State figures, including Donu Kogbara, Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Ibim Semenitari, and others.
This development comes amidst reports that Governor Fubara recently met with President Tinubu in London, reportedly at the governor's request, where he pledged to make concessions to resolve the ongoing political crisis.
The citizens are demanding that President Tinubu immediately rescind the declaration of emergency and restore Governor Fubara and his Deputy to their rightful positions.
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