In a conversation with Muslim leaders who visited at his private residence in Port Harcourt, Siminalayi Fubara has revealed that he feels depressed over State of emergency declared in the state. He urges supporter to stand firm in faith giving glory to God as they will emerge stronger.
“We, as humans, might feel a bit depressed because of the situation. Maybe because of what we are seeing, but we might not understand that what is deeper and beyond us happened,” he said. “But in everything, we have decided to give glory to the Almighty God.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger. If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
As a coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures petitioned the African Union (AU) over the unconstitutional state of emergency and dissolution of the House of Assembly, they fault the move saying it is a threat to democracy.
The petition, signed by Prof Opeyemi Ola, Prof Adah George, Dr James Oloko and Dr (Mrs) Evelyn Ogolime, urged the AU to send a fact-finding team to Rivers to assess the situation and ensure democratic institutions were protected.
“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, President Tinubu’s actions have fallen woefully short of this expectation. His decision to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly, is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition reads.
“Section 305 of the Constitution, which the President cited as the basis for his action, does not grant him the power to suspend or remove elected officials. The Constitution is clear on the grounds for removing a governor, which is explicitly stated in Section 188. The President’s action is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the democratic process.
“This action is not only a threat to democracy in Nigeria but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Africa. It is imperative that the African Union Commission takes immediate action to address this situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.”
“Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. The government’s decision to suspend the democratically elected governor and House of Assembly is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition reads.
The coalition also requested that the “African Union Commission take concrete steps to ensure that Nigeria, as a member state, upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”