Rivers State Turmoil: Tinubu Faces Accusations Of Constitutional Breaches

Anabs Sara-Igbe Accuses Tinubu of Ignoring Constitution in Rivers State Crisis

Let me tell you about a situation unfolding in Nigeria that’s got a lot of people talking. Prominent Ijaw leader and chieftain of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Anabs Sara-Igbe, has openly accused President Bola Tinubu of not following the Nigerian Constitution in his management of the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. This is a big deal because when the leader of a nation steps outside the boundaries of the law, it can create serious problems for governance and accountability. So, let’s break this down and see what’s really going on.

In a recent interview with Saturday Punch, Sara-Igbe laid out his concerns about the president’s actions, specifically pointing to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the allocation of state funds to an administrator who lacks proper legal recognition. This isn’t just a minor oversight; these are serious allegations that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political stability.

Why Declaring a State of Emergency is Problematic

Now, here’s the thing: declaring a state of emergency isn’t something a president can just do on a whim. There are strict constitutional guidelines that need to be followed, and Sara-Igbe is saying that Tinubu didn’t adhere to those rules. When you bypass these procedures, it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders. It’s like saying, “Hey, I don’t have to follow the rules if I don’t feel like it.” And that’s just not how a democracy is supposed to work.

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Sara-Igbe emphasized that the president’s actions weren’t just a one-off mistake but a pattern of behavior. He stated, “The president has violated multiple provisions of the constitution, from declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State to unlawfully giving the state allocation to the sole administrator, without legal recognition.” These words carry weight because they highlight a systemic issue that needs to be addressed.

Supreme Court Ruling: What Was Missed?

But wait, there’s more. Sara-Igbe also brought up an important Supreme Court ruling that seems to have been overlooked in this whole situation. According to the ruling, state funds shouldn’t be released until the 2025 budget is presented to a properly constituted House of Assembly. This is a critical step that ensures transparency and accountability in how public money is spent. Yet, it appears that this process was sidestepped.

Sara-Igbe explained, “The Supreme Court held that money will not be released until the 2025 budget has been presented to a properly constituted House of Assembly. Fubara made several attempts to submit the budget but was frustrated by the 27 lawmakers.” It’s a complicated situation, but the bottom line is that proper procedures weren’t followed, and that’s a problem.

Now, here’s the big question that Sara-Igbe raised: “Did the president go back to consult the Supreme Court before he ordered the release of the money?” This is crucial because it speaks to whether Tinubu acted with due legal process or if he made a unilateral decision that could lead to serious legal repercussions. When a leader makes decisions without consulting the appropriate authorities, it raises red flags about their commitment to upholding the law.

In conclusion, the situation in Rivers State is more than just a political dispute—it’s a test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law. As citizens, we need to pay close attention to how these issues are resolved because they will set the tone for governance in the years to come. It’s a reminder that even leaders need to be held accountable, and the Constitution is there for a reason—to protect the rights and interests of everyone in the country.