The Women’s Support Group known as the Simplified Queens has called on President Bola Tinubu to lift the suspension placed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly and restore the democratic institutions in the state.
Making their stance known in a Press Briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Simplified Queens speaking through it’s Oyigbo Local Government Area Coordinator, Miss Iheoma Nwankwo noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara made efforts to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Verdict that restored legitimacy to the Martins Amaewhule led House of Assembly but the actions of a few legislators made the governor’s effort to become futile.
Miss Nwankwo explained that the group acknowledges the powers bestowed on President Tinubu by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, but the instances cited by the President to declare a state of emergency did not meet the criteria as outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
”Section 305 does not confer on the President the Authority to suspend a democratically elected governor or dissolve a state house of Assembly, such actions contravene the principles of Federalism and separation of powers as enshrined by the Constitution.”
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Miss Nwankwo also pointed out in dismay the actions of the Sole Administrator who has intensified apprehension through his activities that has led to the suspension of all political appointees of the state, heads of departments, agencies and boards of tertiary institutions a move seen as playing to the tune of those who instigated the current crises in the state.
The Simplified Queens further appealed to President Tinubu to reconsider and not allow the ambition of a few to jeopardise the democratic gains made in the state.
Responding to questions at the Press Briefing, the Director General of Simplified Queens, Mr Progress Hart explained that Rivers people are not happy with the declaration of a state of Emergency, and as a support group, they are joining Rivers People and Nigerians to call for the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
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”If His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara returns as the Executive Governor of Rivers State, definitely the House of Assembly will also return. As a good citizen, I also appeal to the House of Assembly to sheath their sword, Rivers State is for everybody.”
Mr. Hart further stated that the political crises and the state of emergency declaration has caused the state to retrogress and Rivers State is not enjoying the growth and development being experienced by other states in the Niger Delta Region.
