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Chief David Briggs, a member of the Rivers Elders’ Forum and former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, has made startling allegations, asserting that President Bola Tinubu imposed a resolution on Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a crisis meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Briggs, who attended the meeting, alleges that the governor signed the resolution under duress, citing threats issued by President Tinubu. The meeting, which included former governor Peter Odili, immediate past governor Nyesom Wike, and other stakeholders, aimed to address the ongoing crisis in the state.
President Tinubu, during the meeting, directed the withdrawal of all legal actions initiated by Governor Fubara and his team concerning the political crisis.
Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Briggs claimed, "Mr. President walked in with a written resolution, addressed us and declared that what he had in his hand is a presidential proclamation, therefore he can whip."
According to Briggs, President Tinubu emphasized his position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, implying consequences for those opposing his directives. Allegedly, the President handed the resolution to Dr. Peter Odili to read, refusing to do so himself.
Briggs further disclosed that during the meeting, former Attorney-General of the State and Justice Commissioner, Adokiye Amiesimaka, questioned the President about the actions of the Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) without consulting their constituents. The President's response, as relayed by Briggs, emphasized his leadership in the APC and dismissed the need for consultation.
While commending Governor Fubara for displaying maturity during the meeting, Briggs expressed concerns about potential plans to induce Fubara's defection to the APC. He stated, "What Tinubu did was establish his own party interest while arbitrating peace in Rivers State."
Briggs concluded by highlighting the intelligence and commitment to governance displayed by Governor Fubara, describing the President's directive as both clear and dangerous, operating within the space provided by his advisers. The allegations raised by Briggs bring attention to the intricacies and tensions surrounding the resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State.
