A civil society organization, National Vanguard for Rule of Law, NVRL, says Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, did well by allowing the immediate past local government chairmen in the state to complete their tenure despite provocation.
The group, which was reacting to the civil unrest that broke out in Rivers State over the tenure of the LG chairmen, commended Fubara for upholding democratic tenets.
In a statement signed by Comrade Johnson Babatunde, the NVRL said by allowing the elected LG chairmen to complete their tenure, Fubara demonstrated an uncommon respect for the will of the people, who overwhelmingly elected these officials to serve them.
The NVRL observed that Fubara’s conduct differed from that exhibited by his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike, who upon assumption of office as governor, removed the LG chairmen he inherited from ex-governor Rotimi Amaechi.
According to the group, in an era where some governors undermine the democratic process by truncating the mandate of duly elected officials, Fubara’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance is a refreshing respite.
The civil society organization described Fubara as a true democrat who prioritises the welfare and interests of the people above political considerations.
Describing the Rivers governor as a “champion of democracy”, the group urged other governors to emulate Fubara in handling issues relating to local governments, the third tier of government.
The statement said, “The National Vanguard for Rule of Law commends the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara for allowing the 23 democratically elected local government chairmen and councilors in Rivers State to complete their 3 years tenure in office.
“Unlike his counterpart in Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, who without provocation dismantled the democratically elected local government chairmen and councilors he inherited from his predecessor, despite a court order restraining him from doing so, Governor Fubara allowed and supported the local government chairmen and councilors to complete their tenure, which came to en end on June 17th, 2024.
“It is also a clear departure from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who dissolved the democratically elected chairmen and councilors he inherited from his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, in 2015, despite a court order restraining him from doing so.
“Despite the provocation from the local government chairmen because of their allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Fubara once again displayed his democratic credentials by not truncating the tenure of the chairmen and their councilors.
“We call on other govenors in the country today and in the future to emulate Governor Fubara in upholding democracy and the rule of law and also respecting the third tier of government.
“The immediate past local government chairmen in Rivers State also need to appreciate Governor Fubara for his magnanimity democratic credentials and for upholding the rule of law.”