The Simplicity Movement, a sociopolitical group in Rivers State, has condemned the suspension of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, describing it as unconstitutional.

Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt, the group’s National Leader, Sobomabo Jackrich, criticized the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, calling it an abuse of power and a threat to democracy.

Jackrich, who is the National Rescue Movement (NRM ) Governorship 2023 candidate in Rivers State, argued that Rivers State remains peaceful and accused certain political actors of fabricating violence to justify the emergency declaration.

“The good part is that upon your arrival, you witnessed firsthand the situation in Rivers State and confirmed that the state is peaceful,” he said, addressing the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.).

“This contradicts the false narrative peddled by the enemies of our state, which led to the declaration of the state of emergency—an action clearly aimed at removing the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, at all costs.”

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He also took a swipe at those he said were raising false alarms using online media. He alleged that some online media agents have been paid to spread misinformation and justify the unconstitutional removal of Governor Fubara.

According to him, the claims that Fubara demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex without plans for reconstruction were false, as a modern complex was already 80% completed before the declaration of emergency rule.

“Moving forward, we want to state unequivocally that Mr. President was unfair to Governor Fubara or may not have been properly briefed before accusing him of demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex and making no effort to rebuild it,” Jackrich stated. “This claim is false and was merely foisted to justify the declaration of a state of emergency.”

The Simplicity Movement rejected the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly, calling it an overreach of executive power. Jackrich argued that section 305 of the 1999 Constitution does not give the President the power to suspend an elected governor and warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent for democracy.

“This action is a clear abuse of power, a threat to democracy, and a dangerous precedent,” he warned. “The people of Rivers State elected Governor Fubara, and any attempt to remove him must be done through constitutional means.”

He further demanded that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, be sanctioned for his role in the political crisis, alleging that he is a key figure behind the turmoil in the state.

The group also raised concerns about recent explosions at oil and gas installations in Rivers State, alleging that the incidents might have been deliberately staged to justify an extension of the emergency rule beyond six months. Jackrich called on security agencies to investigate and expose those responsible.

“We call on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of these purported explosions,” he said. “If found to be acts of sabotage, the perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice to face the full weight of the law.”

The Simplicity Movement strongly opposed any plan to appoint Sole Administrators for Local Government Areas in Rivers State, warning that it would be a direct violation of a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits unelected officials from running local governments.

“We welcome the new Sole Administrator, His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), and urge him to resist being used as a political tool against the people of Rivers State,” Jackrich stated. “We believe he is a seasoned professional who will uphold justice and fairness, rather than be swayed by those with selfish interests.” He Stated.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Jackrich expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would eventually realize he was misled and reverse the decision. He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to democracy, justice, and the rights of Rivers people, stating that the state would overcome its current political challenges.