By Akinwale Kasali
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has faulted those urging President Bola Tinubu to Wade into the House of Assembly Crisis rocking Rivers State, as a result of the face off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike and the crisis rocking Ondo State, saying the President has no constitutional right to Wade into the matter.
The immediate past Minister for Power, Housing and Works said that President Tinubu’s intervention is not needed in these States, stressing that rather than calling for the amendment of the constitution, there is urgent need for us as Nigerians to amend our ways.
He further stated that the Constitution is clear on what should be done when situations and the roles to be played by individuals involved.
He made this assertions at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos. The topic was “Leadership – Leading the Change.”
Speaking further, Fashola 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.
