By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Fubara’s decision: Falana asserts legislative autonomy.
Human rights advocate, Femi Falana, SAN, has asserted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara lacks the authority to relocate the sitting venue of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Falana emphasized that the executive branch cannot dictate the assembly’s meeting location, as the legislature operates independently.
“I would like to assume that the governor issued that executive order before the intervention of the High Court in Rivers State,” Falana remarked. “The house is independent of the executive. So the governor cannot tell the house where to sit.”
In related news, the Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu will maintain neutrality amidst the political crisis between Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, emphasized that President Tinubu will not align with any party in the conflict.
“I believe that anyone who believes that by their actions, whether it’s from the Federal level, State level or the legislative branch in the State or the executive branch in the state…if they are banking on Mr. President to take sides on this matter, they’re mistaking and they’ll be disappointed,” Ngelale stated.
Furthermore, Ngelale stressed that President Tinubu’s priority is to ensure the smooth functioning of the Rivers State Government and to prevent any hindrance to its operations for the benefit of the people.
Legislative Autonomy, Political Neutrality,
Fubara’s decision: Falana asserts legislative autonomy