The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has described the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a dangerous precedent that could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and encourage federal overreach.
The party lambasted Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State political crisis, warning that the development posed a serious risk to constitutional governance and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Thursday expressed concern over the President’s approach to resolving the conflict in Rivers State, saying it raised questions about the proper limits of executive authority.
Abdullahi said the move was more about ‘political strategy’ than genuine efforts to strengthen democracy.
“On Wednesday, 17 September, Nigerians witnessed a curious spectacle: President Tinubu directing the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State Assembly in Rivers State to ‘resume’ duties after serving his six-month suspension from office,” Abdullahi said.
According to him, Tinubu’s actions amounted to assuming powers not granted to the presidency under the constitution, thereby undermining the rule of law and the democratic process.
“The President’s decision to arrogate to himself the power to suspend and recall elected officials in Rivers State is whimsically autocratic and should be recognised and condemned as a threat to our democracy,” Abdullahi declared.
