By Enekorogha Godbless
The National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS) Worldwide has made a powerful call for the impeachment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his controversial and unilateral decision to suspend Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State. This call has sparked political discourse and raised questions about the democratic integrity of the decision.
In a statement issued to the Nigeria Daily Chronicles, the President presiding over 10.9 million of the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS) Worldwide, Sen. Comr. Josiah Temeoewiemiienbi Precious, expressed the union's unequivocal condemnation of President Tinubu's actions. The NUIS President highlighted that the impeachment process was not only unconstitutional but also a glaring example of political bias and an assault on the core principles of democracy.
Comr. Josiah emphasized that the political instability in Rivers State, which was largely fueled by the actions of former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Republic, Nyesom Wike, does not justify the suspension of an elected governor rather the removal of the minster FCT for causing chaos in the country. He argued that the good and hospitable people of Rivers State had not shown any displeasure with Governor Fubara's leadership, and thus there was no legitimate reason for his removal.
The NUIS leader further alluded to the rising tensions in the region, suggesting that the ongoing sabotage of pipelines in Rivers State may be linked to attempts to destabilize Governor Fubara’s administration. The union's statement also referenced comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who recently downplayed the importance of the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta, claiming they are not the only group capable of engaging in pipeline vandalism.
Comr. Josiah stressed that the suspension of a sitting governor without proper consultation with the National Assembly, especially when the state legislature has a clear role to play in such matters, undermines democratic process. He criticized the President’s disregard for due process, as the people of Rivers State have consistently expressed no dissatisfaction with Governor Fubara's governance. He stated, "It is clear that this suspension was politically motivated and orchestrated to appease certain interests in Mr President's cabinet."
Furthermore, the NUIS President strongly urged lawmakers from the Niger Delta region, both in the Senate and House of Representatives across Akwa-ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross-river, Edo, Ondo etc, to issue a vote of no confidence against President Tinubu. He called for a motion to initiate impeachment proceedings against the President for abusing his executive powers and undermining the authority of the National Assembly, all in a bid to protect the political interests of his cabinet Wike, whose actions are largely seen as a source of the conflict and political unrest not just in Rivers State but also Nigeria at large,
In a direct appeal to the President, Comr. Josiah reminded Tinubu that the National Union of Izon-Ibe Students had strongly supported him during his elections, but this support was now being repaid with disdain. He expressed the disappointment the of over 10.9 million Izon-Ibe students who feel betrayed by the President’s actions. "This decision cannot be accepted in a democracy of the 21st century. It is a stark warning to Nigerians that the government is being run for the benefit of the few in power, not for the people," he stated.
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