The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, said the declaration of emergency rule in the state has left many people depressed.
This was as a coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures petitioned the African Union (AU) over the development.
Meanwhile, the people of Etche ethnic nationality in Rivers, kinsmen of the former Head of Service (HoS), George Nwaeke, have urged security agencies to him, saying financial inducement and lying were not in their culture.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis in the state between the governor and 27 lawmakers believed to have the backing of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu also suspended Fubara as governor, Ngozi Odu as deputy governor and all members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), as sole administrator.
Speaking when Muslim leaders visited him at his private residence in Port Harcourt, Fubara said he and his team were depressed over the situation.
“We, as humans, might feel a bit depressed because of the situation. Maybe because of what we are seeing, but we might not understand that what is deeper and beyond us happened,” he said. “But in everything, we have decided to give glory to the Almighty God.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger. If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
The group accused the Federal Government of unconstitutional actions, alleging that the suspension of Fubara and dissolution of the state legislature violated democratic principles.
In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the coalition warned that the move not only breached Nigeria’s Constitution but also threatened democracy across Africa.
The petition, signed by Prof Opeyemi Ola, Prof Adah George, Dr James Oloko and Dr (Mrs) Evelyn Ogolime, urged the AU to intervene and prevent abuse of power.
“Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. The government’s decision to suspend the democratically elected governor and House of Assembly is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition reads.
Additionally, the coalition highlighted the broader implications of the government’s action, stating that it threatened the autonomy of states under Nigeria’s federal system.
It called on the AU to send a fact-finding team to Rivers to assess the situation and ensure democratic institutions were protected.
Leaders and elders of Etche described Nwaeke as “a liar, betrayer and notoriously untrustworthy”, noting that as a result of his character, the former HoS
“is usually not invited to meetings of Etche ethnic nationality where crucial issues affecting Etche Ethnic Nationality are discussed.”
Speaking in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, the leaders disassociated themselves from the “externally influenced” confessions of financial mismanagement and planned attacks on oil facilities he (Nwaeke) levelled against Fubara and others.
Nwaeke had, in a viral video clip, last week, accused Fubara of deliberately demolishing the House of Assembly edifice to avoid impeachment.
The kinsmen said, notwithstanding his rise to the position of HoS, the highest position in the civil service, the Etche Ethnic Nationality did not consider Nwaeke worthy of recognition as a chief, an honour bestowed on deserving illustrious sons.
