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Amidst controversies trailing the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, a former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Prince Oye Fasua, has warned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara against taking legal action against President Bola Tinubu, stating that such move would be counter-productive.
Fasua, who is the chairman of Oodua Hotels, took a swipe at some politicians in the country who are nudging Fubara to challenge the six-month emergency rule in the state in courts, describing such individuals as Fubara’s enemies.
In a statement in Lagos, he said that no governor has ever resorted to legal action against the Presidency since the advent of emergency rule in the country, rather the affected governors ate the humble pie, and resumed office at the expiration of the action.
Besides, he said, “Fubara should learn from the pages of history where only very few people successfully called the bluff of their godfathers and regained their positions. Where are the former deputy governors of Lagos State like Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Femi Pedro, erstwhile
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola and most recently, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who ended their political careers prematurely for acts of disloyalty?” he said.
A former presidential adviser, Laolu Akande, recently urged Fubara on national televisions to challenge the emergency rule in a law court, stating that the action was unconstitutional, but Fasua said though certain actions might be unconstitutional, but very expedient, to avert chaos and anarchy into the political quagmire in Rivers State was descending. He condemned the statement and called on Prof. Osinbajo to come out to disown Akande, his former spokesperson, because it might be misconstrued that Akande may have spoken the former Vice President’s mind. Fasua urged Fubara to retrace his steps to circumstances that produced him as governor even when he never had such ambition, and consequently, emerged the governor of one of the richest states in the country.
“The issue of godfatherism and loyalty is not new, rather, it has been there from time immemorial. Even President Tinubu today is reaping the gains of godfatherism, having assisted some people into office, all of whom are now working for him.
“I tell my people that politics is a big business. You invest in it and you reap your rewards, even while serving the people. You invest your funds, some craft and other resources, and make some gains.
“So Fubara only can make this case a simple or difficult one. He should retrace his steps to how he started and get pardoned, and before you know it, the issue would be resolved. Anyone advising Fubara to the contrary wants to destroy his political career.
“This is not a battle that Fubara can win; it is no time to fight to finish, otherwise the outcome will be catastrophic. This is no time to fight the Federal Government. He could face life sentence. Already, some of his former aides have stated that Fubara directed the blowing up of oil installations.”
He should learn from the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, who was removed as Speaker while on leave, but upon his arrival, his godfather intervened and he was returned to office, because of his loyalty.
“Loyalty brought Obasa back. Loyalty promoted Fasola; my governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was loyal to his boss, and he reaped it; Oyebanji was loyal to his boss, he succeeded him, and even opposition parties are rooting for him. Fubara should learn from those people, swallow his pride, go and see his boss. Security gives way to conspiracy. Over-confidence leads to defeat.”
