18th December, 2023
Former Minister of Works Babatunde Fashola said President Bola Tinubu’s intervention is unnecessary in the ongoing political crisis in Ondo and Rivers states.
Fashola stated this over the weekend at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess’ Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos, saying the constitution doesn’t give room for such.
He said that despite calls for the president to get involved, the Constitution clearly outlines the proper procedures and roles of officials in such situations.
The former minister hailed the “blue blood Ondo indigenes” who pushed for law and constitutionality in their state’s recent crisis before the governor’s letter restored calm.
“Happily, in our Ondo case, some blue-blood Ondo indigenes have stood up to be counted. But they are in an obvious minority,” he stated.
The ex-Lagos governor noted that going forward, the “leadership in Rivers State” similarly needs to “do the needful.”
Fashola explained that citizens must also be accountable, rather than improperly demanding presidential action.
“We have amended the constitution, so what is left to amend, except ourselves?” he concluded.