FORMER governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the prevailing political crises in Ondo and Rivers states was not unnecessary.
Fashola also said that despite repeated calls to modify the 1999 Constitution, it is past time for Nigerians to change “our ways.”
He went on to say that the Constitution is explicit on what should be done in such cases and the duties that those concerned should play.
Fashola said this at the weekend at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honorary Members Forum (HMF) 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos while speaking on the topic: “Leadership – Leading the Change.”
His words: “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?
“Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and 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 stated.
Eighteen-Eleven Media