Fashola speaks on Ondo, Rivers political crisis, says Tinubu has no role to play therein
Former Lagos state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has cleared the air on the political chaos in Ondo and Rivers states, saying that the intervention of President Bola Tinubu is not needed therein.
Fashola disclosed this at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos. The topic was “Leadership – Leading the Change.”
He noted that the constitution is explicit on what should be done in certain instances and the duties that those concerned should undertake.
He pointed out that those who are inviting the president to prevail on the political crisis in the two states are not aware that he has no constitutional role in these matters.
He said, “We have amended the constitution, so what is left to amend, except ourselves? Is this a matter that required presidential intervention when some people were calling for the President to intervene? Does the Constitution assign a role to the President in this matter?
“Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and in Rivers states not aware that the President has no constitutional role in these matters?
“Are they not also those who argue that the Federal Government and, by extension, the President are too powerful and encroaching on the powers of state governments? Is this a case of passing the buck when tough leadership calls are requested to be made?
“Happily, in our Ondo case, some blue blood Ondo indigenes have stood up to be counted. But they are in an obvious minority.
“(They intervened) in the pursuit of law and constitutionality before the governor’s letter restored calm. And we want for leadership in Rivers state to do the needful,” he stated.
