A legal practitioner and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has highlighted the potential legal ramifications of the six-month emergency rule declared in Rivers State.
Okonkwo emphasized that Governor Fubara risks having his constitutionally guaranteed four-year tenure cut short by six months if he leaves office on May 29, 2027, following the temporary removal during the emergency period.
He suggested that Governor Fubara has the right to seek redress in court to reclaim the lost six months and ensure compliance with constitutional provisions, arguing that the time should be added to his tenure to align with the Supreme Court's interpretation of a governor's four-year term as sacrosanct.
According to Okonkwo, the constitution mandates a governor to serve for four years, and any abridgement of this period infringes on the rights of the electorate who voted for the full term.
He stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Governor Fubara's tenure ends on November 29, 2027, to honor the democratic process and the people's choice.
The legal expert's insights shed light on the complexities surrounding the emergency rule and its implications on the political landscape of Rivers State.
Reference from News: Fubara should seek legal redress over lost six months - Kenneth Okonkwo