Nigeria, April 14 -- Those who are hoping that the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, will be reinstated at the expiration of his six months suspension may have to think again. Their hope for his return may end up as a pipe dream if calculated and determined steps are not taken to ensure its actualization.

Relevant and professional institutions such as the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) had, in the wake of Fubara's suspension as governor, pointed out the unconstitutionality of the action. The argument is that even though Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), vests on the president the power to declare a state of emergency in any part of the Federation, such action must only be taken in strict compliance wi...