Legal expert Abibat Bankole-Apena offered commentary on the political turmoil in Rivers State in an interview with TVC News, raising concerns over whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara is still entitled to the constitutional immunity afforded to incumbent governors. As political and legal issues continue to develop, her remarks have generated discussions.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Bankole-Apena argued that Fubara may not currently have the legal standing to claim governorship due to his suspension, citing a legal precedent from Plateau State. “For the period someone is being suspended, such person cannot come and claim to be the governor of a state,” she stated.
She explained that should the president or the National Assembly decide to overturn the suspension, Fubara could regain his position. However, until that happens, his authority remains in question. “Should in case the president or the National Assembly decide to truncate the proclamation, maybe in a few days or weeks, then he can return to his position as the governor of the state,” she added.
Bankole-Apena also mentioned a new lawsuit filed on behalf of Fubara by a citizen of Rivers State, questioning its legal standing. “The question now comes: does this person have local standard [locus standi]? The same way the question would come that as at this time, a suspended governor—could you call that person still a substantive governor of a state? I think not, in my humble opinion.”
Her remarks add another layer to the legal and political complexities surrounding Rivers State. As legal experts and political analysts continue to debate the issue, the final resolution may depend on judicial interpretation and federal intervention.
