After six months of political uncertainty and governance disruption, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially lifted the state of emergency he imposed on Rivers State. The proclamation, which had suspended the powers of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, sparked heated debates nationwide. Critics from different quarters questioned both the legality and constitutionality of the president’s decision, arguing that it amounted to an unlawful suspension of democratically elected officials.
Despite the storm of criticisms, the president stood firm in his resolve, justifying the drastic measure as a necessary step to restore order in the state at the time. But now that the emergency has been lifted and the officials restored, Rivers people and Nigerians at large are left with several questions demanding urgent answers.
First, will the Supreme Court now hear and determine the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, challenging the legality of the state of emergency? That matter is pivotal, as it will provide a judicial pronouncement on whether a president truly possesses the constitutional powers to suspend or remove a democratically elected governor and state legislators. The outcome will set a precedent that may shape Nigeria’s democratic process for years to come.
Second, now that Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly members have been reinstated, will they continue their hostile standoff, or have they learned vital lessons from this crisis? The people of Rivers State, who elected them into office, are yearning for unity, peace, and progress, not perpetual political bickering.
Third, will external forces that allegedly fueled the crisis continue to interfere in the affairs of the state? Or will political actors in Rivers take responsibility for their mandate and focus on good governance, free from undue influence?
The truth remains that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of violence, division, and chaos. The political gladiators in Rivers State must therefore put aside personal ambitions and work together in the interest of the citizens.
Now that the state of emergency has been lifted, the people of Rivers deserve a new dawn, one of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. The time for power tussles is over; the time for service has come.
Tochukwu Jimo Obi,jimobi83@gmail.com @ThisDay
