Fubara's Suspension: US Law Institute Sends Important Message to Tinubu, Makes One Demand

Fubara's Suspension: US Law Institute Sends Important Message to Tinubu, Makes One Demand

  • The Institute of Law Research & Development (ILAWDUN) urges President Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara
  • ILAWDUN condemns the suspension and declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, emphasizing that these actions are unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent
  • The institute calls on the Nigerian Supreme Court to rule fairly on the case challenging the suspension, warning that any dismissal of the case on technical grounds would further erode public trust

The Institute of Law Research & Development (ILAWDUN), a prominent US-based legal body, has called on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The institute warned that failing to act promptly could have irreversible consequences for both the country’s democracy and Tinubu’s political legacy.

A leading US legal institute has issued a strong message to President Bola Tinubu over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
President Tinubu has received a critical warning from a top US law body concerning the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Photo credit: @officialABAT
Source: Facebook

ILAWDUN’s strong warning against constitutional violations

In a statement issued on Monday, the institute’s Director, Professor Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, emphasised the critical importance of upholding democratic principles, which they argue were severely undermined by the suspension and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.

Read also

Rivers emergency rule: Tinubu told to allow Nigeria's democracy to breathe

Edward-Ekpo, a renowned professor of International Environmental and Public International Law, stressed that such actions, which set a potentially dangerous precedent, must be corrected to protect the constitutional fabric of Nigeria.

“We are deeply concerned about the suspension of a democratically elected governor and the state of emergency declared in Rivers. If these actions are allowed to stand, they will tarnish your legacy permanently.
“The actions in Rivers cannot be justified as there was no breakdown of law and order severe enough to justify the imposition of a state of emergency. This is an affront to Nigeria's constitutional integrity," said Edward-Ekpo.

Calls to the Supreme Court

The institute also turned its attention to the Nigerian judiciary, urging the Supreme Court to deliver a fair ruling on the ongoing case involving seven opposition governors challenging the legality of the suspension.

The court is currently considering the case, and ILAWDUN fears that any attempt to dismiss the case on technical grounds would further erode public confidence in both the judiciary and the administration of President Tinubu, Leadership reported.

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“The Supreme Court Justices cannot, in good conscience, sustain such an obvious constitutional violation
“If the Court resorts to dismissing the case on technicalities or manipulates its proceedings, it will be seen as a judicial compromise under the influence of the Executive, further undermining trust in both the judiciary and your government," Edward-Ekpo stated.

Tinubu told to reverse Fubara's suspension

A prominent American legal institute has weighed in on Fubara’s suspension, sending a clear message to President Bola Tinubu.
The suspension of Governor Fubara has drawn the attention of a top US law institute, which has now sent a direct message to President Tinubu. Photo credit: @officialABAT/@SimFubaraKSC
Source: Facebook

ILAWDUN appealed to President Tinubu, urging him to reverse the suspension of Governor Fubara and restore confidence in the rule of law, Vanguard reported.

The institute warned that allowing such an action to go unchecked would risk Nigeria’s democratic future, as well as Tinubu’s historical reputation.

“The reversal of this suspension is critical. Nigeria’s future democratic integrity is at risk, and this is an opportunity for you, Mr. President, to reaffirm your commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving democratic principles," Edward-Ekpo added.

As the situation unfolds, the attention of Nigerians and international observers alike remains focused on how President Tinubu and the judiciary will respond to this growing legal and political challenge.

Read also

Rivers assembly arson: Court orders police, DSS against arresting Fubara's ally

What Fubara should do for Wike to have soft landing

Meanwhile, Legit.ng Fubara was advised to embrace reconciliation, restitution, and reunion. Anyakweh Miracle Amadi, Esq. explained the only way.

Suspended governor Fubara could have a soft landing after the state of emergency declaration in Rivers state.

During an interview with Legit.ng, the public affairs analyst said Fubara should reach out to Nyesom Wike and the speaker to help him.

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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944

Kola Muhammed avatar

Kola Muhammed (Copyeditor) Kola Muhammed is an experienced editor and content strategist who has overseen content and public relations strategies for some of the biggest (media) brands in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 5 years of experience in copyediting.