Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has criticized a recent ruling by a Federal High Court that has seized the monthly allocations designated for Rivers State. He views this decision as a malicious scheme aimed at removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.
In his statement, Frank characterized the court’s ruling as part of a strategy to coerce Fubara into joining the APC or face removal. He urged the international community to intervene in the situation, calling on them to pressure the President to abandon his plans to oust Fubara or compel him to align with the APC.
Frank expressed concerns that the operations of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the Niger Delta could be jeopardized if tensions escalate in the region. He noted the President’s silence amid apparent constitutional violations by the courts and police in Rivers State.
“The President is displeased with Fubara for refusing to join the APC, especially since the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has advised him that Fubara’s leadership could hinder his chances in the 2027 presidential election,” Frank stated.
According to Frank, Wike is acting as a proxy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his conflict with Fubara. He claimed that security agencies and federal institutions have been mobilized against Fubara, directed to either secure his compliance with the President’s wishes or remove him from office.
“This is the only explanation for Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s unconstitutional order regarding Rivers State’s statutory allocations, made without fear of repercussions, though the fallout could be severe,” he added.
Frank cautioned the President to avoid interfering with Rivers State, warning that any attempt to tamper with the state’s legally due funds or to oust Fubara would be met with strong resistance from the people of Rivers and the wider Niger Delta region.
“There will be significant repercussions for any unlawful actions aimed at destabilizing Rivers State or intimidating Fubara. The people will resist such efforts, and the resulting unrest could resonate throughout the country, making it impossible for the President to suppress the backlash,” he emphasized.
He encouraged Fubara to remain resolute in defending the interests of the people, assuring him of their unwavering support. “A stitch in time saves nine. The international community must intervene now before the situation escalates. IOCs require stability to operate in the region,” he stated.
Additionally, Frank, who serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, condemned the unconstitutional ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja as a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, urging the populace to oppose it.
He called on Nigerians to hold Tinubu accountable for any harm that may come to Fubara and the residents of Rivers State as the situation unfolds.
