Aba Ejembi: The River State crisis has the capacity to degenerate Nigeria

Aba Ejembi, a lawyer and former FCT Liaison Officer of the Civil Liberties Organization, has alleged that the escalating crisis, in relation to the recent events in Rivers State, could push the country into greater instability.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Ejembi stressed that understanding the situation in the Rivers State House of Assembly requires recognizing its constitutional implications.

He noted: “What happened in the Rivers State House of Assembly was never within the notice of the framers of the Constitution.

“Whether this is right or wrong, it is a matter that will ultimately be decided by the courts.”
However, he expressed concern that the consequences extend far beyond the judiciary.
“What we are dealing with is the whole edifice called Nigeria. We have to be careful and look at our history,” he warned.

Pointing to historical parallels, the lawyer stated: “We see a summary, a reenactment of what happened in the western region where the Action Group came to power, the opposition party, and there was division; there may have been a crisis caused by the party in power, namely the NPC.”

He warned that the current unrest has the potential to escalate dramatically, stating: “What is happening in Rivers State has the capacity and tendency to degenerate this country into something else.”

Looking back at the past, Ejembi warned: “I believe that what is happening in Rivers State must be addressed in a manner that we do not go the way of what happened between 62, 64, 65 and ultimately what led to the January coup . 15, 1966.” There are fears that unresolved tensions could lead to widespread discontent and unrest.

The immediate trigger for the uproar was a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop all monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government. Judge Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the verdict, highlighting “constitutional somersault” and “aberration” in the budget process overseen by Governor Siminalayi Fubara since January. The judge expressed dismay that only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were present when Fubara presented the 2024 budget, calling it a “blatant affront” to constitutional requirements.

Elaborating on the possible consequences, Ejembi indicated that the people of Rivers State would bear the brunt of the financial sanctions if the revenue allocations were withheld. He urged leaders to put unity over partisanship, stating: “If the building collapses, it will not save anyone. It could include the presidency and call into question the very foundation of our federation.”

Calling for immediate action, he asserted: “The President must stand up; must seize the opportunity; must intervene. There is no time in any legal process when you cannot resolve the matter amicably.”

Furthermore, he appealed to former presidents and heads of state to play a role in defusing the situation, stressing that this issue cannot be relegated to the personal conflict between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike.

Frances Ibiefo