ASARI DOKUBO Finally Intervenes In Rivers Crisis, Warns Their LG Chairmen To Do This, See Details
Niger Delta leader and former militant figure, Muhajid Asari Dokubo, has issued a stern warning to 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State whose terms recently concluded. Speaking at the 2024 Eid-el- Kabir celebrations in Port Harcourt, Asari Dokubo urged the chairmen to respect the end of their three-year tenure and ” go home quietly. ”
The controversy arose when Governor Siminalayi Fubara, backed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, directed the chairmen to step down following the expiration of their tenure. Despite this directive, the chairmen, aligned with a pro- Wike faction in the Rivers House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, attempted to extend their term by six months. They justified this move by citing Fubara’s alleged failure to conduct local government elections as mandated.
However, Asari Dokubo highlighted that any attempt to elongate their tenure would contravene the Nigerian Constitution. He emphasized that public officials cannot unilaterally extend their time in office beyond the stipulated tenure without consequences. Asari Dokubo, also known as the Edi Abali of Kalabari land, cautioned the former chairmen about provoking the ire of the people, warning of potential serious repercussions.
“Local government tenure has expired today, June 17, 2024. They should quietly go home. If they want to seek re-election in accordance with the constitution, they should do so, Asari. Dokubo asserted. He underscored the constitutional provision that officeholders must abide by their oath and the limits of their tenure.
Asari Dokubo further addressed the broader implications of this issue on governance in Rivers State. He stressed the sovereignty of the people, stating, “The people of Rivers State are exercising their power, and they are ready to take over until the government is ready to conduct a new election. He reiterated that the state’ s citizens are vigilant against any attempt to circumvent democratic processes for personal gain. Moreover, Asari Dokubo cautioned the
youth against being manipulated for political ends, urging them to remain vigilant and uphold the rule of law. ” Nobody should be allowed to be used, “he declared, emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance in safeguarding democratic principles.
In concluding his address, Asari Dokubo emphasized the supremacy of the people over individual interests, asserting, “Rivers State is bigger than any individual. No individual can take Rivers State people for a ride and pocket us. It is not possible.” The situation remains tense as the former chairmen and their supporters weigh their next moves amidst legal and constitutional challenges. Asari Dokubo’s intervention underscores the complex interplay between local governance, constitutional provisions, and public accountability in Nigeria’ s evolving political landscape.
