Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has weighed in on the ongoing political crises in Ondo and Rivers states, asserting that the intervention of President Bola Tinubu is unnecessary in these matters.
Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos, Fashola emphasized the need for Nigerians to focus on amending their ways rather than calling for constitutional amendments.
In his address on the topic “Leadership – Leading the Change,” Fashola questioned the calls for presidential intervention in the Ondo and Rivers states’ political issues, highlighting that the Constitution is clear on the roles assigned to individuals in such situations.
“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?” Fashola queried.
“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 said.
