CHRAN faults Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers gov, others

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), a civil society group has faulted the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

CHRAN said the suspension of Fubara, a democratically elected governor for a four-year tenure by the people of Rivers State was unconstitutional, undemocratic and a threat to the nation’s democracy.

Director of CHRAN, Otuekong Franklyn Isong and Secretary, Mr Christopher Ekpo stated in a press release on Monday in Uyo that President Tinubu’s action violates Section 1(2), Section 11 Section 188 and Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The civil society organisation described the emergency rule in Rivers State as an imposition of military rule, and called on the President to be less emotional in resolving the crisis in Rivers State.

The group called on the National Assembly, to urgently review the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu.

“The CHRAN views the suspension of the State Governor, Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were democratically elected for a four-year tenure by the people of Rivers State as unconstitutional, undemocratic and extreme posing a threat to the hard-earned democracy in Nigeria.

“The CHRAN believes that the President’s action violates Section 1(2), Section 11, Section 188 and Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The CHRAN rejects the imposition of military rule in Rivers State under the guise of a State of Emergency and calls on the President to be more dispassionate in seeking to resolve the crisis in Rivers State,” the group stated.