The Digest:
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed President Tinubu’s reinstatement of Rivers Governor Fubara as “nothing to cheer about,” calling the initial suspension unconstitutional and a sign of dictatorship. According to PUNCH Online, the statement amplifies political tensions over federal intervention in state governance.
Key Points
- Atiku declared the lifting of Fubara’s suspension legally meaningless, as the initial action was unconstitutional.
- He emphasized that Tinubu lacked the power to suspend a democratically elected governor and assembly.
- The Rivers crisis began in March with a state of emergency declaration and a six-month suspension of state officials.
- Fubara’s reinstatement follows closed-door meetings with Tinubu and reconciliatory moves with FCT Minister Wike.
- Atiku labelled the episode a “shenanigan” reflecting the Tinubu administration’s dictatorial tendencies.
- The presidency had justified the emergency rule as necessary due to the political standoff in the state.
- Critics and supporters remain divided on the constitutionality and motives behind the suspension and return.
Atiku’s rejection of the reinstatement underscores deeper concerns about constitutional integrity and the limits of federal power in Nigeria’s democracy.
Sources: PUNCH Online
