Atiku Abubakar slams President Tinubu’s lifting of Rivers Governor Fubara’s suspension, calling it unconstitutional and “nothing to celebrate.”
He says both the suspension and reversal highlight executive overreach in Nigeria’s democracy.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu for lifting the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that the action is “nothing to celebrate.”
Tinubu had declared a controversial state of emergency in Rivers State in March, citing threats to law and order.
The measure saw Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly suspended from office.
During the period, Tinubu appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as Sole Administrator to oversee the oil-rich state.
On Wednesday, the president announced the end of the emergency rule, restoring the state’s democratically elected executive and legislature. However, Atiku, in a post on his official X handle Thursday, faulted both the suspension and its reversal.
“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about,” Atiku wrote.
“The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today.
President Tinubu did not have the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers.”
