…Calls for Full Return to Democratic Norms Amidst Rivers Peace, Warns Against Pre-2027 Campaign Distractions
Former Abia State Commissioner and political commentator, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fully restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their constitutional positions, urging an end to what he described as “democratic distortions” in the state.
In a public statement titled “Rivers Crises: It Is Time To Restore Fubara and the Legislators,” Kalu emphasized that Rivers State has regained relative peace, and most of the political disagreements between the feuding factions have been resolved.
“Mr President, it is time to restore Governor Sim Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to office. Rivers State is currently peaceful and all the feuding parties have resolved most, if not all, their differences,” Kalu stated.
He also criticized the extended involvement of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), the federally appointed administrator over the crisis period, suggesting it is time for him to return to retirement.
“Let Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) go back to retirement wherever he chooses while full democratic governance is restored and supported as expected in a democracy.”
Kalu further raised legal concerns, arguing that no elected official has the constitutional authority to remove another elected official outside the provisions for impeachment, and cautioned against the National Assembly’s recent appropriation actions on behalf of Rivers State.
“While our laws support imposition of a state of emergency, it never envisaged a situation where any elected official will sack another elected official outside the relevant sections dealing with impeachment,” he said.
“It is also an aberration for the National Assembly to make laws for appropriation of Rivers funds. I wish to encourage the state legislature to ensure they legalize whatever was done by the National Assembly upon resumption to avoid future legal issues.”
Calling for political maturity, Kalu added:
“Let us just allow whatever bit us at night be mosquito and move on. The time to fully restore democracy in Rivers State is now, Mr President.”
He also dismissed any reference to “doctrine of necessity” as unconstitutional, advocating instead for solutions grounded in legal frameworks.
“There is no such thing as ‘doctrine of necessity’ in our constitution and we should never mention that in future. Solve problems within the ambit of existing laws or make new laws.”
Kalu emphasized that disagreements between the executive and legislature are part of democratic practice, and should not inhibit governance.
“The legislative and executive arms are not required to kiss and hug daily to function effectively. They can still do their work very well even when they agree or disagree.”
The statement also carried a stinging rebuke to political leaders celebrating two years in office, accusing them of prematurely launching re-election campaigns without delivering on their promises.
“Congratulations, Mr President and all those celebrating 2nd anniversary in office today. My only disappointment is that y’all used the occasion to launch re-election campaigns whereas you have not done 20% of what you promised to do within 2 years.”
“We expected to hear what has been done and future plans only. Now governance has been thrown overboard while politics will now take center stage to the detriment of common folks.”
He concluded with a final plea:
“Ya diwa, but please restore Fubara and the legislators within this period of celebrating democracy in Nigeria.”
