Aba Ejembi: Crisis in Rivers State could lead to Nigeria’s degradation

Aba Ejembi, a lawyer and former liaison officer for the Civil Liberties Organisation’s FCT, argues that the escalating crisis stemming from recent events in Rivers State could lead the country to greater instability.

During 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 in the purview of the framers of the constitution.

“Whether this is right or wrong, this issue will ultimately be decided by the court.”
However, he expressed concern that the consequences extend far beyond the judicial system.
“What we are up against is an entire edifice called Nigeria. We need to be careful and look at our history,” he warned.

The lawyer pointed out historical parallels, saying: “We are seeing a repetition, a reconstruction of what happened in the western region, where the Action Group was empowered, an opposition party, and there was a split; a crisis occurred, possibly provoked by the party in power, which was the CPP.”

He warned that the current unrest could escalate sharply, saying: “What is happening in Rivers State can and does tend to degenerate this country into something else.”

Reflecting on the past, Ejembi warned: “I believe that what is happening in Rivers State needs to be addressed in such a way that we do not go down the path of what happened between 62, 64, 65 and ultimately what led to the January coup. December 15, 1966.” There are fears that unresolved tensions could lead to mass discontent and unrest.

The immediate cause of the outrage was the decision of 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 ruling, highlighting the “constitutional flip-flop” and “deviation” 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, describing it as a “blatant affront” to constitutional requirements.

Ejembi elaborated on the possible consequences, indicating that the people of Rivers State would bear the brunt of the financial penalties if revenue distribution was suspended. He urged leaders to prioritize unity over partisanship, saying: “If the building collapses, it will not save anyone. This could include the presidency and could challenge the very foundation of our federation.”

He called for immediate intervention, saying: “The President must stand up; must be on top; must intervene. There is no point in any legal process when you cannot resolve the issue amicably.”

He also called on former Presidents and Heads of State to play their part in defusing the situation, insisting that the issue cannot be reduced to a personal conflict between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike.

Francis Ibiefo

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