The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has declared its full support for the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in the face of politically motivated attacks aimed at destabilizing his administration.
HURIWA observed that despite the ongoing crisis with his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Governor Fubara has made significant strides in infrastructure development and remains committed to upholding democratic principles by ensuring that local government administration is managed by democratically elected officials.
HURIWA emphasized that the ongoing plan by Fubara’s administration to conduct local government elections should not be thwarted by the previous local government administration, which was appointed by the former governor, Nyesom Wike.
The rights group stressed that it is both ethically and constitutionally wrong for local government officials to openly challenge the authority of the sitting governor, especially when the law is clear on how local government administration should be conducted.
HURIWA urged Governor Fubara to proceed with the planned elections, asserting that this step is necessary to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court, which has reiterated that local government administration must be carried out by democratically elected individuals.
The association further condemned the political crisis currently tearing Rivers State apart, noting that it appears to be externally induced.
HURIWA pointed out that it is illegal for members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to publicly announce their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which they were elected, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This announcement was not only covered by the media but was also supported by court filings, confirming the defections.
HURIWA expressed concern over the federal executive’s apparent support for actions that undermine democracy in Rivers State, citing instances where the police, under federal control, have acted unconstitutionally.
One notable example, according to HURIWA, was the police takeover of local government secretariats, preventing even appointed officials from governing. This action, the association frowned upon, was taken before the Supreme Court’s judgment, and even though Governor Fubara’s appointments were within his constitutional powers. HURIWA condemned the role of the police in this scenario and urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Rivers State Police Command remains loyal to the Constitution and the properly constituted authority, which is currently Governor Fubara.
HURIWA firmly believes that once a governor is democratically elected, they should be allowed to govern without interference, regardless of who facilitated their emergence. The association highlighted that Governor Fubara won the election and must be allowed to lead and develop Rivers State stably, as he has been doing.
HURIWA called on all stakeholders to support the governor and ensure that Rivers State is not thrown into chaos, as any destabilization of the state would have serious repercussions for the entire South-South region.
Rivers State, being one of the wealthiest states in the region, plays a crucial role in the economic stability of the South-South, and any attempt to disrupt its governance would be tantamount to destabilizing the entire region.
HURIWA also raised concerns about the possibility of the federal government being complicit in these externally induced attacks. The association questioned whether the President might be instructing the Inspector General of Police to direct the Rivers State Police Command to show loyalty to someone other than the governor or the Constitution.
HURIWA reminded all parties involved that the police are supposed to be loyal to the Constitution and the duly elected governor, who in this case is Governor Fubara. The Supreme Court has confirmed Fubara’s electoral victory, and HURIWA stressed that all forms of externally induced attacks against him must cease.
The association urged those with political ambitions in Rivers State to exercise patience and wait until the next election cycle in 2027 to pursue their goals.
“In the meantime, Governor Fubara should be allowed to govern the state without unnecessary distractions, just as the immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, was allowed to complete his tenure and make significant contributions to the state’s infrastructure.
The mandate given to Governor Fubara by the people of Rivers State is sacred and should be respected”.
In conclusion, HURIWA expressed disappointment that the federal government appears to be passively supporting saboteurs who seek to destabilize Rivers State.
The association called on all relevant authorities to ensure that such actions are not allowed to continue, as they pose a threat not only to Rivers State but to the entire South-South region.
*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko*
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
August 28, 2024
