Abuja—A respected politician and community leader in Rivers State, Elder Boma D. Anga, JP, has called on the Tinubu administration to address what he described as the “constructed illegalities” that led to the emergence of SiminalayiFubara as governor. Anga asserted that the process remains under legal contestation, with the matter currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Speaking in Abuja in response to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, Anga emphasized the imperative for both the federal government and the judiciary to restore constitutional order by rectifying foundational irregularities and ensuring that the legitimate governor is recognized.
Elder Anga maintained that SiminalayiFubara should not have been declared governor, urging a comprehensive review of any judicial anomalies that may have occurred during the legal proceedings. He stressed that the rightful winner, as determined by law, should be recognized. Specifically, he referenced the unresolved Supreme Court case involving Barr. Abbie Atedoghu, suggesting that, should the law so determine, she ought to be declared governor, as her challenge centers on allegations of electoral irregularities and non-compliance.
Anga insisted that the rule of law must prevail and called on the federal government to facilitate a fair and lawful resolution to ensure that the legitimate governor is installed for the benefit of the people. He noted that the ongoing legal dispute presents an opportunity for Rivers State and urged President Tinubu to support a just and lawful outcome.
Addressing the issue of emergency rule, Elder Anga described the situation as deeply regrettable. He likened the current political structure to “a house built on a faulty foundation,” arguing that the principal actors-Governor SiminalayiFubara and FCT Minister NyesomWike-are engaged in a destructive power struggle, treating the state as a chessboard and neglecting the welfare and development of Rivers people.
Anga further argued that agreements between political actors that disregard the will and integrity of the populace have resulted in the use of force and the circumvention of constitutional principles and the rule of law.
He contended that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State should not serve the personal political interests of a few individuals. “If the objective is to achieve genuine peace in Rivers State, the government must consider the underlying issues, including the pending Supreme Court case of Barr. Abbie Atedoghu. This is critical,” he stated.
Elder Anga reiterated the need for the rule of law to prevail, urging the federal government to ensure a fair and lawful resolution that installs the legitimate governor for the benefit of the people. He emphasized that the ongoing legal challenge offers hope for Rivers State and called on President Tinubu to support a just resolution.
Expressing skepticism, Anga warned, “Any arrangement that reinstates Governor Fubara without addressing the underlying crisis-especially if his appointees are replaced by loyalists of Wike-will only exacerbate tensions and perpetuate instability.”
He highlighted the adversarial relationship between Fubara and Wike, cautioning that their rivalry could inflict lasting harm on Rivers State.
Consequently, he urged the judiciary to “do the needful” and called on both political figures to resolve their differences outside the framework of state governance, so that Rivers State can progress.
On Barr. Abbie Atedoghu’s candidacy, Elder Anga described her as a capable and experienced politician with a strong track record. He urged stakeholders to consider her qualifications objectively and to guard against gender bias in decisions regarding the state’s leadership.
He concluded by emphasizing that the pending Supreme Court case involving Abbie Atedoghu is central to achieving legitimate peace and stability in Rivers State, expressing confidence that her leadership could bring competence and integrity to the state’s governance if justice is served.
