Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has raised critical questions regarding the perceived inconsistent application of the law within his state.
In a video posted by AIT on their YouTube channel, he expressed concerns over why legal frameworks appear to be selectively enforced, especially in the contentious issue of extending the tenure of local government chairmen.
Governor Fubara specifically called out his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, along with state senators, urging them to clarify why it seems that the Nigerian constitution is applied differently in Rivers State compared to other regions.
Fubara’s remarks suggest that there may be influential forces at play that are capable of swaying legal and democratic norms to their advantage.
He posed a poignant question, asking whether there is someone or something more powerful than the nation itself, hinting at possible undue influence or manipulation of legal processes.
The governor's concern primarily revolves around the controversial decision to extend the tenure of local government officials.
This move has been met with criticism and allegations of legal irregularities. Fubara’s questioning of this decision points to a broader issue of accountability and transparency in the state's governance.
He stated that this issue is not just about the local government chairmen's tenure but also about the broader implications for democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State.
He stressed that if the laws can be bent or ignored in this instance, it raises questions about other areas where legal principles might be compromised.
Fubara said, "Whatever situation we find ourselves today in this state, you all know the cause of it. Where on earth can the tenure of local government chairmen be elongated? You were a former governor; was it tried in your time?
"Even those of you who are senators here, even in your own state? Is it that the constitution that governs Nigeria is different from the one that operates in Rivers State? Those are the very pertinent questions we should ask.
"Why should it be that, when it comes to the case of Rivers State, the law is always silent? Is it that there's somebody bigger than Nigeria?"
Watch the video here (start from 1:12).