According to Sahara Reporters, the controversy in Rivers State has sparked intense debate over the principles of democracy in Nigeria. Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has strongly condemned the situation, where only three lawmakers are reportedly constituting the State House of Assembly. This unusual development raises serious concerns about the integrity of legislative governance in the state and the country at large.
Ajayi expressed his dismay over the matter, stating that the Nigerian Constitution and its framers could never have anticipated such an anomaly. He questioned how just three people could be responsible for making laws and passing budgets for an entire state, calling it an outright aberration. His statements, shared on social media and reiterated in a conversation with Sahara Reporters, reflect deep concerns about the potential consequences of allowing such a situation to persist.
The backdrop to this crisis is the escalating political tension between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This power struggle appears to have had a significant impact on the composition and operations of the state legislature, raising fears that political interests are being placed above democratic norms.
Ajayi’s remarks serve as a call to action, urging Nigerians to safeguard the democratic structures that define governance in the country. He warned that allowing such irregularities to continue could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the rule of law in other states. His position highlights the importance of maintaining a properly functioning legislative assembly, where representation is fair, constitutional, and free from undue political interference.
At the national level, President Bola Tinubu is already engaging with key stakeholders, including Governor Fubara and leaders from Ogoniland, in a bid to address the growing crisis. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but there is a clear need for urgent intervention to restore normalcy in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
This situation presents an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the strength of the country's democratic institutions. Should such anomalies be allowed to continue, or should immediate corrective measures be taken? Every Nigerian has a stake in ensuring that the principles of democracy are upheld, and the actions taken in Rivers State today could have lasting implications for the nation's governance in the future.