According to Nigerian Tribune, Rivers State Governor Fubara has urged his supporters to remain resilient in the face of recent judicial decisions.
“You need to brace up and be strong. We are still complete and intact,” Fubara declared during a rally, aiming to bolster the morale of his followers amid rising tensions stemming from a contentious court judgment that has drawn widespread criticism from various stakeholders.
The judgment, viewed by many as an attempt to destabilize the state, has sparked significant backlash from individuals and groups alike.
Critics argue that this legal ruling will exacerbate the already challenging circumstances faced by the populace, a sentiment echoed by prominent figures in the community.
Chief Annas Sara Igbe, a former spokesperson for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and a member of the Rivers State Elders Forum, expressed his discontent with the proceedings, stating that the burden now lies with the governor.
He expressed hope that the decision would be contested in the appellate courts.
“The attitude of the judge from the beginning of this case shows bias and when a judge shows open bias, it’s very unfortunate,” Igbe asserted.
His remarks underscored concerns regarding the impartiality of the judiciary.
“People wrote petitions against you, you are not ready to listen, you don’t want to step down; and we are saying you are biased, you are not interested; we are trying to change lawyer, you said no; file motion, you said no. So it’s very clear that the person (judge) had a hatchet job to do, which she has done.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Igbe remained hopeful. “This is not the end of the matter. There is the Court of Appeal; we are going to the Court of Appeal. But very soon, these 27 lawmakers will know where they are. They are dragging themselves to deep shit. The governor is not willing to take certain actions, but I believe that at this point in time we will know whether he will take those actions or not.”
Adding to the chorus of discontent, frontline activist and Ijaw leader Ann Kio Briggs criticized the motivations behind the judgment, labeling those she perceives as adversaries of the state as relentless in their efforts to undermine the local government.
“It is unfortunate that those I call enemies of the state would go to any extent to cripple the state,” Briggs lamented.
However, she expressed a sense of optimism, insisting that despite the court’s decision, Rivers State would ultimately prevail.
“We will survive despite the court judgment.”
As the political landscape in Rivers State remains volatile, the implications of the court’s decision continue to reverberate throughout the community.