Allies of former Rivers Governor and current Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike have insisted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must govern the state strictly according to the constitution.
Speaking on Channels Television, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, former Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area and a staunch supporter of Wike, made it clear that Fubara would not be allowed to run the state outside constitutional provisions.
The statement comes after the Supreme Court on Friday, ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt the release of funds to the Rivers State government until a properly constituted House of Assembly is in place.
The court also ruled that Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker of the Assembly loyal to Wike, should resume legislative duties immediately with all elected members of the House.
The ruling was seen as a major victory for Wike’s camp, which had been in a power struggle with Governor Fubara months after he took office. Following the judgment, Wike was captured celebrating. He stated that the decision had restored constitutional order in Rivers State. He criticized the idea of a government where only three lawmakers were making laws for an entire state, describing it as an act of impunity. According to Wike, the Supreme Court ruling has put an end to what he called unlawful governance in the state.
During his television interview, Dr. Chidi Lloyd emphasized that Fubara must govern in line with the constitution and should not operate independently of other government institutions.
He said, “The minister of the FCT is not a party to all of these things. But you talked about good governance, that we should allow Fubara to govern, no.
“Fubara must govern according to the dictate of the constitution. As one of the judges told him today, you cannot set a law for yourself and not obey them and he made reference to where other arms of government will not allow the other arms to breathe.
“So the legislature in Rivers State should breathe.
“The governor, with due respect, brazenly move into where the Assembly people live with a view to demolishing it but we’re not quick to look… anyway…we’re now toeing the side of peace …those who have the penchant of not obeying court orders should please know that this is Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
