The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked widespread reactions from political figures and stakeholders, with many questioning the legality and necessity of the move.
The emergency rule has suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months. This has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that the action is politically motivated and unconstitutional.
Atiku: “Action Taken in Bad Faith”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the decision, stating that President Tinubu has been a partisan actor in the Rivers political crisis.
“Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Tinubu has been directly involved,” Atiku wrote on X. “His blatant refusal—or calculated negligence—in preventing this escalation is disgraceful.”
He accused the presidency of undermining democratic processes. He also warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent for future political conflicts in the country.
Sowore: “State of Emergency Used to Pacify Criminals”
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), also lashed out at Tinubu, accusing him of using the emergency rule as a political tool.
In a strongly worded post on X, Sowore wrote, “A state of emergency should be declared on Tinubu’s regime instead. Nigerians must recognize that the time for action is NOW!”
Jackson Ude: “Another Political Blunder”
Veteran journalist Jackson Ude described the state of emergency as a major misstep, arguing that Tinubu was favoring FCT Minister Nyesom Wike while punishing Fubara.
“The crisis in Rivers was caused by Wike and Fubara. Both should be held accountable. Singling out Fubara for suspension while leaving Wike untouched shows clear bias,” Ude stated.
Political analysts have compared the Rivers emergency rule to past cases, including the 2004 Plateau State and 2006 Ekiti State emergencies under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
However, many argue that unlike those cases, Rivers has not experienced violent unrest that warrants such drastic action.
Critics have also questioned why the government has not placed states facing serious security crises, such as those plagued by banditry and insurgency, under emergency rule while targeting Rivers, where the crisis is political.
As the situation unfolds, political observers warn that the state of emergency in Rivers could trigger a constitutional battle. This could also further political instability nationwide.
Read also:
NBA Condemns Unconstitutional Removal Of Rivers Governor Under Emergency Rule
