Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, asserted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara lacks the authority to relocate the Rivers State House of Assembly venue. Falana made these remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
According to Falana, the governor does not possess the power to dictate where the members of the Rivers State assembly should convene, emphasizing the legislature’s independence from the executive arm of the government.
He stated, “I would like to assume that the governor issued that executive order before the intervention of the High Court in Rivers State. The house is independent of the executive. So the governor cannot tell the house where to sit.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency, represented by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, clarified that President Tinubu would not take sides in the ongoing political crisis involving Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State.
Ngelale emphasized that President Tinubu’s priority is to ensure that all parties have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively and to prevent any actions that would obstruct the functioning of the Rivers State Government.
He stated, “I believe that anyone who believes that by their actions, whether it’s from the Federal level, State level or the legislative branch in the State or the executive branch in the state; if they are banking on Mr. President to take sides on this matter, they’re mistaken and they’ll be disappointed.”
Ngelale reiterated that President Tinubu’s focus is on facilitating the smooth operation of the Rivers State Government for the benefit of its people, emphasizing that the President will not allow any attempts to hinder its functioning.
In conclusion, Ngelale urged all stakeholders to understand that President Tinubu will maintain impartiality in the political crisis and prioritize the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
