Presidency defends suspension of Fubara
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has defended the suspension of Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, clarifying that the action was necessary and in line with the President’s constitutional responsibilities.
In a statement on Friday, March 21, Dare emphasised that Fubara’s suspension should not be confused with removal from office.
He further explained that Tinubu’s decision to intervene came in response to the ongoing political and security turmoil in the State, which had escalated to a point where presidential action was imperative.
Dare stated that the President’s intervention was a moral and legal obligation, mandated by the Constitution during times of crisis.
The statement reads in part: “In the case of Rivers state, turmoil and crisis had taken over. The rival stakeholders could not see their way toward resolution. Something had to be done before all became undone.
“In this case, President Tinubu stepped up as was his moral and legal obligation to do. In this case, the Constitution, the blueprint of our democracy spells out the options before the President in dire and emergency circumstances.
“The declaration of a state of emergency on Rivers state for 6-months is well within the stated powers of the President. This is settled by the very wording of the constitution itself and backed by judicial precedents. President Tinubu has not being overbearing.
“Since the declaration was made Nigerians have heard legal and political opinions and analyses of different shades. This discourse is healthy for our democracy but cannot substitute for the rule of law and the proper interpretation of our constitution.
“The frenzy by opponents of the President has hit a high pitch. They have placed themselves in opposition to what the law says about the powers and authority of the President because they have previously placed themselves in political opposition to the President.
“The powers conferred on the President in this instance and the will to use it when the situation warrants are the difference between an indecisive leader and a courageous, committed one.
“The Supreme Court understands this and is very careful in instances such as this.”
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