Restore Fubara, Engage Abdulsalami Committee, Rep Tells Tinubu

 A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Awaji-inombek Abiante has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to full executive authority and involve the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led peace committee in resolving the political crisis currently rocking the state.

The lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, argued that the recent actions taken against Fubara, including attempts to sideline him from governance, pose a threat to democracy. He warned that failing to address the situation appropriately could set a dangerous precedent for political instability in Nigeria.

His call follows weeks of tension in Rivers State, where political disputes between Governor Fubara and factions within the state legislature have led to a series of confrontations, including the suspension of key government officials and allegations of security threats.

The legislator noted that prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have condemned the recent political developments.

According to the lawmaker, many of these stakeholders believe that the federal government’s intervention in the state has been one-sided and that President Tinubu should explore a more neutral approach by engaging the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led committee, which has a history of brokering peace in politically volatile situations.

He further claimed that the reports of militant activities and alleged pipeline explosions in Rivers State have been exaggerated, possibly to justify actions against the governor. “Security agencies have confirmed that the pipelines are intact and operational. This raises questions about the intelligence reports that were used as the basis for declaring a state of emergency in certain parts of Rivers,” he said.

The lawmaker emphasized that democracy thrives on the rule of law and called for a return to constitutional order. He argued that removing Fubara from office through unconstitutional means could have wider implications for the country’s political stability.

In his appeal, he urged President Tinubu to act swiftly in resolving the crisis through dialogue rather than force. He stressed that the situation in Rivers State requires a diplomatic resolution, and the involvement of respected elder statesmen like Abdulsalami Abubakar could help prevent further political unrest.

The ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State has continued to draw national attention, with many observers watching closely to see how the federal government will handle the crisis. Meanwhile, residents and stakeholders in the state remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes governance over political rivalry