The Uncertain Future of Rivers State: A Feature on Governor Fubara’s Return*

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“It’s No Longer Democracy”

By Charles Edet Esq

The recent development in Rivers State, Nigeria, has sparked intense debate about the future of democracy in the country. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s return to office after a six-month state of emergency comes with conditions that many term undemocratic.

The Conditions: A Recipe for Disaster?

The conditions imposed on Fubara include:

• Loss of Control Over Local Governments: Fubara will not have authority over local governments or the Rivers State House of Assembly. Key appointments, project approvals, and major spending will be coordinated from Abuja.
• No Second Term: Fubara is barred from seeking re-election in 2027, dictating the state’s political future and undermining the democratic process is a breach to the fundamental human right of Governor Sim. Fubara.
• Paying Outstanding Entitlements: Fubara is expected to pay all outstanding entitlements owed to 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, though for peace to reign in the state, but to political observers averr that its a condition designed to humiliate and weaken the governor’s potency.

Implications for Democracy

These conditions have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy. If allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent for future governance, forcing democratically elected officials to dance to the tune of those in charge at the center rather than serving the people who elected them.

A Call to Action

It’s time for the practitioners of democracy to respect the people. Nigerians demand better from the leaders and rejecting this brazen attempt to undermine democracy is by holding leaders accountable for their actions. The conditions given to Fubara are undemocratic and should be reversed. The people of Rivers State deserve better, and it’s important that the ruling government listen the voices of the people.

With conscience as an open wound , its worthy to state that the conditions given to Governor Fubara are a clear example of how democracy is being eroded in Nigeria. Nigerians must are not impressed and therefore, demand that their leaders respect the Constitution and uphold the principles of democracy.

*Charles Edet Esq writes from Abuja

This post has already been read at least 11847 times!