Aba Ejembi, a lawyer and former Civil Liberties Organization FCT Liaison Officer, has stated that the escalation of the crisis, linked to the recent developments in Rivers State, could lead the country to further instability.

During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Ejembi emphasized 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 contemplation of the framers of the constitution.

“Whether this is right or wrong is a matter that will ultimately be resolved by the court.”
However, he expressed concern that the implications would extend far beyond the judiciary.
“What we are facing is the entire edifice called Nigeria. We have to be careful and look at our history,” he warned.

The lawyer pointed out historical parallels by stating: “We are seeing a recapitulation, a recreation of what happened in the western region where the Action Group, the opposition party, was strengthened and there was a division; There was a crisis, perhaps, instigated by the party in power, which was 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 propensity to degenerate this country into something more.”

Reflecting on the past, Ejembi warned: “I think what is happening in Rivers State needs to be handled in a way that we do not go down the path of what happened between 62, 64, 65 and finally what led to the January coup . December 15, 1966.” The fear is 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 suspend all monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the ruling, highlighting the “constitutional leap” 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.

Ejembi explained the possible consequences, noting that the people of Rivers State would be the most affected by the financial sanctions if the revenue allocations were withheld. He urged leaders to prioritize unity over partisanship, saying: “If the building collapses, it won’t save anyone. “It could include the presidency and it could question the very foundations of our federation.”

He called for immediate intervention, stating: “The president must stand up; must rise to the occasion; must intervene. “There is no time in any judicial process in which the matter cannot be resolved amicably.”

He further appealed to former Presidents and Heads of State to play a role in de-escalating the situation, insisting that this issue cannot be relegated to the personal conflict between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike.

Frances Ibiefo

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