In a striking move, Rivers State citizen Oraye St. Franklyn has announced plans to take legal action against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly blocking residents from commenting on his official Facebook page.
In an open letter addressed to the governor, St. Franklyn expressed his frustrations, stating, “I write as a citizen of Rivers State who has discovered that I can no longer comment on your official Facebook page. Many other residents report the same experience. The consistency of these reports suggests an intentional practice of blocking critics from a public communication platform operated in your official capacity.”
He argues that the governor’s Facebook page, used for government announcements and updates, functions as an extension of his office. St. Franklyn contends that restricting access to this platform raises serious constitutional concerns. He notes, “Section 39(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every person the right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to receive and impart ideas and information.”
St. Franklyn further emphasizes the responsibilities of public officials, stating, “Your oath of office reinforces this obligation. In the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, you swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and to do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour.” He maintains that “blocking citizens from a public forum because they express dissent does not align with these duties.”
The letter also outlines the potential legal repercussions for the governor, noting, “Your continued denial of access to citizens creates grounds for legal action under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules.” St. Franklyn highlights that such actions might be viewed as gross misconduct, which can lead to impeachment.
He requests the immediate restoration of access for all blocked citizens, giving a seven-day deadline. “If the issue is not addressed within that time, I will begin the process of seeking judicial redress for myself and on behalf of other affected citizens. This is not a threat. It is the lawful step available to anyone whose constitutional rights have been restricted.”
St. Franklyn concluded his letter with a call for the governor to embrace accountability, remarking, “No democratic society thrives when public officials isolate themselves from dissent or attempt to curate only praise.”
As discussions unfold around this issue, the implications for transparency and citizen engagement in Rivers State governance remain at the forefront.
