Eric Patrick
A former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has lambasted President Bola Tinubu over the suspension of embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly.
In the video obtained by First News correspondent on Thursday, Shaibu criticized the federal government for not properly handling the political crisis in Rivers, asserting that the removal of Fubara was unconstitutional.
“You can declare a state of emergency, you can even impose a sole administrator, but you cannot remove an elected governor. Fubara remains in office, even if just ceremonially. That is how it works,”
Shaibu’s remarks contribute to the increasing concerns raised by political figures regarding the legality and potential consequences of the federal government’s actions in Rivers State.
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However, the federal government insists that Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was necessary to prevent a political breakdown.
During a nationwide address, Tinubu explained his decision by highlighting the ongoing political turbulence, breaches of constitutional norms, and pressing security issues that necessitated such a decisive action.