Rivers Protests: Residents Decry Governor Fubara’s Suspension
By Usman A Harande
Residents of Rivers State, Nigeria, have taken to the streets to protest the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency. The demonstrations, led by a group of women, marched along Aba Road to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, carrying placards with messages like “Bring back our Fubara” and “Save our democracy”.
Key Developments
- Protest Details: The protesters, predominantly women, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to lift Fubara’s suspension, citing concerns over what they termed an “unconstitutional military rule masked as a state of emergency”.
- Nigerian Bar Association’s Stance: The NBA has protested the emergency rule, moving its national conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu in response to the situation, questioning the constitutionality of the president’s actions.
- Government Response: President Tinubu has engaged in discussions with south-south monarchs over the issue, while the federal government has been criticized for its handling of the crisis.
Public Reactions
- Supporters of Governor Fubara view the suspension as an undemocratic move, sparking widespread protests and calls for his reinstatement.
- Others have expressed mixed opinions on social media, questioning the timing and motivations behind the NBA’s protest and the government’s actions.
Constitutional Concerns
The Nigerian Bar Association has raised concerns over the constitutionality of the president’s actions, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the procedure for declaring a state of emergency. The NBA argues that the president’s actions may infringe on democratic governance and fundamental human rights.
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