In a recent development, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and seasoned lawyer, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing tension between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is entirely constitutional. The 85-year-old legal expert defended the President’s actions, stating that there is no constitutional prohibition against such interventions.
This statement comes in response to criticisms from rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, who deemed Tinubu’s involvement as unconstitutional. Falana argued that the President’s role should be advisory, citing the lack of a constitutional mandate for him to intervene in state political affairs.
The controversy revolves around the reinstatement of lawmakers who defected from their original party, leading to the declaration of vacant seats by the House Speaker. Falana emphasized that, according to the Constitution, such legislators can only retain their seats if they prove party factionalization, which was not the case in the Rivers State Assembly.
Despite criticisms, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun maintained that President Tinubu’s intervention is well within the bounds of the Constitution, emphasizing the President’s role as the father of the nation. Basorun argued that when issues threaten the peace, security, and well-being of the country, the President has a responsibility to intervene, considering all states and the federal capital territory as his “children.”
The controversy has further deepened with criticisms from Chief Edwin Clark, who described the intervention and resulting agreement as “appalling” and “unacceptable.” He alleged that Governor Siminialayi Fubara was coerced into signing the agreement, asserting that the President’s actions desecrated the constitution.
In contrast, Basorun questioned the perceived double standards, highlighting instances where critics like Falana did not raise objections to Tinubu’s intervention in the matter involving the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The legal debate surrounding President Tinubu’s intervention continues, with differing opinions on its constitutionality.
