Authorized practitioner and public affairs analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has warned towards what he described as renewed makes an attempt to undermine democratic rules in Rivers State because the 2026 political yr begins.
In a press release issued in Calabar on Friday, Ahiakwo mentioned the resurgence of political rigidity within the state displays the fading affect of godfatherism, intimidation and elite-driven propaganda.
He expressed concern that Rivers politics is once more being dragged into what he termed “murky waters” at a time the state ought to be consolidating democratic positive aspects, noting that such actions expose desperation to protect outdated energy constructions relatively than respect the need of the folks.
In accordance to him, latest verbal assaults and political manoeuvres towards the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara had been predictable, describing them as calculated efforts to frustrate the governor’s constitutional right to search a second time period.
Ahiakwo mentioned Rivers State has entered a brand new political period marked by a extra enlightened and politically aware voters, stressing that residents are not passive observers however knowledgeable contributors who perceive their rights and the facility of the poll.
He recognized makes an attempt to impose a so-called “gentleman settlement” as central to the controversy, describing it as a direct assault on the political improvement of the state and a risk to democratic progress.
The analyst emphasised that such agreements haven’t any authorized standing, noting that they’re neither binding nor enforceable beneath Nigerian legislation.
He warned that elevating casual preparations above constitutional provisions is illegal and unacceptable in a democracy.
Ahiakwo argued that denying a sitting governor the right to recontest violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which ensures each certified Nigerian the liberty to take part in politics and contest elective workplace.
He mentioned rejecting imposed political preparations shouldn’t be seen as rise up however as a transparent rejection of political servitude and a sign that no group is entitled to monopolise energy.
Because the 2027 basic elections strategy, Ahiakwo mentioned Rivers individuals are more and more ready to assert their rights beneath the Constitution, insisting that “democracy should prevail and the need of the folks should stay supreme”.
