A retired Delta State Customary Court President, Justice Miakpor Emiaso, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to release Rivers State’s funds to a sole administrator, calling it unconstitutional and a grave misstep.
In an interview with Vanguard, Emiaso condemned the move, emphasizing that the Nigerian Constitution does not recognize a sole administrator as a legitimate authority to govern a state. He asserted that any actions taken by such an appointee would be legally void.
“It is unconstitutional and unlawful to release state funds to a sole administrator. There is no provision in our constitution for such an appointment,” Emiaso stated.
The retired judge also took issue with Tinubu’s alleged suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
“There is no provision in the constitution that allows any authority, including the president, to suspend an elected governor. This move is a serious threat to our democratic system,” he added.
Emiaso stressed that the removal of elected officials follows a constitutional process, which does not include suspension. He cited previous court rulings affirming that no authority has the power to unilaterally suspend a sitting governor or state lawmakers.
Legal experts and political analysts continue to weigh in on the controversy, as Nigerians debate the implications of the president’s actions on the country’s democratic framework.
