By: Manoah kikekon
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| Hon. Abudu-Akogun Akinlola Olumayowa and Sim Fubara |
Hon. Abudu-Akogun Akinlola Olumayowa, Ojo Local Government Area (LGA), Chairman Hopeful has strongly criticized the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as unconstitutional.
Speaking to News Peddlers on Wednesday, Olumayowa expressed his concerns over the political crisis in Rivers State and the role of key figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike.
Olumayowa condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that President Tinubu’s press release appeared biased and one-sided.
“I condemn the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and assert that the press statement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is too shallow. It seems like a script allegedly written by Minister Wike, which holds only Governor Siminalayi Fubara accountable for the ongoing crisis in the state,” Olumayowa said.
He emphasized that the president lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor, calling the move a “flagrant disregard for the Nigerian constitution.”
Olumayowa warned that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent and appears to be an attempt to weaken the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in one of its strongholds.
“This action confirms our suspicions and aligns with Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai’s claim that the opposition is being targeted for destruction by the current administration,” he stated.
He further highlighted other incidents, such as the controversial land revocation notice at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, as evidence of a coordinated effort to destabilize the opposition.
Olumayowa did not mince words in criticizing Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of fueling the crisis in Rivers State. He referenced past allegations against Wike, including claims of misconduct during an official visit by the Indian Prime Minister and accusations of land grabbing.
“It is on record that this same minister was allegedly drunk during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit and behaved in a manner that projected Nigeria in a negative light. There have also been allegations of land grabbing against him,” Olumayowa said.
He called on President Tinubu to dismiss Wike, stating, “A single minister cannot hold down a big state like Rivers. We urge the president to suspend and dismiss this troublesome minister for the peace and stability of Nigeria.”
Olumayowa urged President Tinubu to rescind the suspension of Governor Fubara and allow democratic processes to prevail. He drew parallels to the political dynamics in Lagos State, where former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was not forcibly removed but was allowed to complete his term.
“Even though the president maintains a godfatherism posture in Lagos, he did not destroy the state when former Governor Ambode erred. Instead, he waited for the electoral process to usher in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We advise the president to follow a similar approach in Rivers State,” he said.
Olumayowa emphasized the strategic importance of Rivers State to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. He called on the federal government to prioritize peace and stability in the state.
“Rivers State is significant for the peace and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. We urge the president to do the needful and avoid being remembered as a leader who undermined democracy,” he concluded.