The Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s silence over the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as "golden and enabling."
In a statement released following the suspension, the PDP Governors expressed concern over the role played by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the ongoing political situation in Rivers State, accusing him of acting beyond his authority.The governors alleged that the FCT Minister had played an active role in orchestrating the Rivers impasse, adding that his actions were in line with a broader political agenda set by President Tinubu. “Mr. President, your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know,” the statement read.
The statement further accused the Minister of overstepping his official duties and meddling in state affairs, which they claim goes against the principles of federalism and the autonomy of state governments. The PDP Governors argued that such actions undermine the democratic process and the rights of the people of Rivers State, who elected Governor Fubara.
"The role played by the FCT Minister in this crisis is clear," they continued. "It is an attempt to further the interests of the federal government in a manner that disregards the legal processes and the will of the people of Rivers State. The President’s failure to speak out on this matter only strengthens the belief that this is part of a larger plan to destabilize the state for political gain."
The suspension of Governor Fubara has sparked widespread debate and controversy across the nation, with political analysts and legal experts questioning the constitutionality of the move. The PDP Governors have called for an immediate reversal of the suspension, urging President Tinubu to intervene and clarify his position on the matter.
The PDP Governors concluded their statement by reiterating their commitment to the democratic principles enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and vowed to continue defending the rights of Nigerians against any attempts to undermine their elected representatives.
As the political tension continues to rise, all eyes are now on the President and the judiciary to determine the legality of the suspension and whether the concerns raised by the PDP Governors will prompt a more transparent response from the federal government.
