Tag: #Okoi Obono-Obla

The Supreme Court of Nigeria made several damning findings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in its two judgments delivered on February 28, 2025. These rulings arose from the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the state since 2023. According to the Supreme Court, Governor Fubara presented a budget to only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they passed, and he subsequently signed into law.

The Supreme Court condemned the Governor’s actions, stating that he behaved like a dictator, showing no respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and principles of good governance. Furthermore, the Court held that Governor Fubara’s actions were those of a lawless individual, unbecoming of the office he holds, particularly given his order to demolish the buildings housing the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Supreme Court also found that Governor Fubara breached the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( 1999) (as amended), which he swore to protect, preserve, and defend. Additionally, the Court held that Governor Fubara prevented the Rivers State House of Assembly from convening to perform its constitutionally assigned role. The Supreme Court lamented that, effectively, there was no functioning government in Rivers State.

Some pundits believe that Governor Fubara may face impeachment proceedings due to the Supreme Court’s findings, which constitute gross misconduct under the Constitution.

Gross misconduct refers to a grave violation or breach of the Constitution or a misconduct that the House of Assembly considers serious enough to warrant removal from office. According to Section 188(11) of the Constitution, gross misconduct is subjective and determined exclusively by the House of Assembly.

The procedure for removing a governor from office due to gross misconduct is outlined in Section 188(1-10) of the Constitution. Here’s a breakdown:

Step 1: Notice of Allegation: A written notice signed by at least one-third of the House of Assembly members, stating the Governor’s gross misconduct.
Step 2: Investigation: The House of Assembly resolves to investigate the allegation, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.
Step 3: Panel Appointment: The Chief Judge appoints a seven-person panel to investigate the allegation.
Step 4: Defense and Findings: The Governor defends themselves, and the panel reports its findings to the House of Assembly.
Step 5: Removal: If the panel’s report is adopted by a two-thirds majority vote, the Governor is removed from office.

It’s essential to note that the House of Assembly has the exclusive power to determine what constitutes gross misconduct, making it a subjective decision.

The case of Governor Fubara may be a litmus test to curb the magisterial and unconstitutional manner in which governors in the country have been exercising their powers, incurring the wrath of Nigerians. It is left for the Rivers State House of Assembly to decide the best course of action to take against the Governor, whose relationship with the majority of the members has been greatly strained.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla

 

The recent arrest of scores of illegal gold miners in Agoi Ekpo, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, after a fierce resistance, highlights the growing concerns surrounding illicit mining in the region . This trend, which has seen thousands of illegal miners from the Sahelian region of West Africa flock to Agoi, bears an eerie resemblance to the 19th-century gold rush in South Africa.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mismanaging mineral resources. The ongoing conflict between the government and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels is deeply rooted in illegal mining activities in Eastern DRC. Rwanda’s government is accused of backing the insurgency to exploit the DRC’s mineral wealth, perpetuating a cycle of violence, corruption, and instability.

Similarly, in Agoi, the unregulated mining activities have led to tensions, environmental desolation, and concerns about the nexus between money laundering, corruption, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. To break this cycle of violence and instability, it’s essential to address the root causes of the conflict, including the mismanagement of mineral resources, corruption, and regional tensions.

The people of Yakurr Local Government Area, known for their farming traditions and rich cultural heritage, are caught in the midst of this chaos. The influx of illegal miners has put a strain on local resources, threatening the very fabric of their communities.

To mitigate this crisis, the government must take decisive action to:

– Regulate mining activities: Ensure that mining is carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner, with adequate safeguards for the environment and local communities.

– Address corruption and regional tensions: Tackle the root causes of the conflict, including corruption, money laundering, and regional tensions, to prevent further instability.
– Support local communities: Provide adequate support and resources to local communities, ensuring that they benefit from the mineral wealth of their region.

Only by addressing these underlying issues can we hope to break the cycle of violence and instability in Agoi, Yakurr LGA, and ensure a brighter future for the people of Cross River State.

@ Okoi Obono-Obla.

 

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.

 

I vividly remember the 29 May 1999 because it is one of the momentous events that have shaped and influenced the national life of Nigeria that took place that day.

It was the inauguration day of elected National and State leaders that were democratically elected after nearly 26 years of unbridled military dictatorship, in the country that resulted in the country becoming a pariah, among the comity of nations in the world.

On the 29 May 1999 was a bright and clear day in Calabar, and everyone was bubbling with enthusiasm and joy, on expectations of the inauguration of Mr Donald Duke, the third president democratically elected Governor of Cross River State.

I had mixed feelings; glad and apprehensive.

As a young lawyer, I had taken an active part in the struggle from early 1990 to 1999 to end military dictatorship in the country, and return of the country once again to democratic civil rule, but was truly lost on what prospects democracy would bring to the country.

On the morning of 29 May 1999 and in the company of my friend, the late Barrister Charles Duke, we went to U.J. Eusene Sports Stadium, Calabar, to watch the swearing into office as Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke, by the then Chief Judge of Cross River State, the Honourable Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Okonkon Ita (of blessed memory).
Simultaneously taking place in Abuja was the inauguration of the second democratically elected President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the Eagle Square.

29th May 2024 will mark the 25th anniversary of the return of Nigeria to democratic civil rule.

Nigeria experienced military rule first on 15 January 1966, when the military toppled the post independence civilian Democratic administration.
The government of the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, was supplanted by the military.

Major General Aguiyi Ironsi was to emerge as the Head of State and the Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The 1963 Constitution was suspended.
Also suspended were all the paraphernalia of democracy such as the Federal Parliament, which then comprised the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The military issued a decree also suspending/abolishing regionalism and replacing them with Group of Provinces, namely: Northern Group of Provinces; West Group of Provinces, Eastern Group of Provinces and Mid-Western Provinces.

From 15 January 1966 to 1st October 1979, the military ran the political governance of the country for 13 years.
After 13 years of running the country, the military decided to hand over to civilians in 1979.

On 1st October 1979, a former minister and teacher from Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari, was sworn into office as the first democratically elected president of Nigeria
It also marked the transitioning of the country from a parliamentary system to a presidential system modeled after the American variant.

Unfortunately, that Democratic experience was ephemeral because on 31 December 1983, the military struck again and toppled the civilian government.
The military stayed in power from 1983 to 29 May 1999.

The celebration of 29 May 2024 is significant in so many ways.
Firstly, it marks the first time in the history of Nigeria, where a democratically elected government has run the affairs of the country consistently for 25 years in full stretch.

It has never happened because the democracy that was in place before the military coup of 15 January 1966 ended and lasted from 1960 to 1966, just six years.

I would not include the years from 1951 to 1959, because Nigeria was still under colonial rule, and even though its affairs were run by elected local officials, they were under the guidance and supervision of colonial administrators, who were taking fundamental decisions, from the colonial office in London.

Nigeria’s democracy is young and I dare say, even embryonic. Also, democratic institutions in the country are also young.

Expectedly, democratic culture, ethos, and values are yet to be ingrained on the people.

25 years in the life of a human being is nothing but a learning curve and process.

In May 2049, which is 25 years from now, democratic civil rule in Nigeria will have attained maturity and democratic culture and values more ingrained in our institutions, and people that will usher in economic growth, development and prosperity.

I believe no matter how imperfect our democracy is presently, there is a glimmer of hope that it is better than a military dictatorship.

Chief Okoi Obono-Obla

Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Okoi Obono-Obla and does not represent TheLumineNews, its agent or the organization the author works for.