Yemi Obafemi
Former Kano State Governor and NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu and the 10th National Assembly for approving a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement on his X handle, Kwankwaso described the move as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy, accusing lawmakers of acting as a “rubber stamp” for the executive.
“The statement reads: “I have closely followed developments in Rivers State in the past two days, and my initial silence was informed by the desire to let the authorities and parties in the conflict to do what is right.
“First, I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy and all elected state legislators from office.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors.
“More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality. The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency.
“The decision by the legislators to speedily discuss and decide on a state of emergency that alters the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State undermines our democracy.
“At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it.”
He warned that deploying the military into governance affairs undermines Nigeria’s democratic progress and could lead to anarchy.
“Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country.
“This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in states led by the opposition into disarray, as they set a dangerous precedence for how the Head of State can grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the centre.
“I am of the view that the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.
“The action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” the statement added.
‘It Undermines Democracy,’ Kwankwaso Faults NASS Approval Of Emergency Rule In Rivers
Despite opposition to Tinubu’s declaration, the National Assembly on Thursday approved the president’s action.
A former governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso has criticised the National Assembly for endorsing the introduction of emergency rule in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of a state of emergency in Rivers State came as a surprise to many and has continued to split opinions since the declaration on Tuesday. But two days after the move, both the Senate and House of Representatives endorsed the president’s action, a development Kwankwaso said spells bad for the country’s democracy.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election wrote in a statement on his X handle late Thursday.
“More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality. The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency.
“The decision by the legislators to speedily discuss and decide on a state of emergency that alters the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State undermines our democracy.”
Tinubu’s decision to introduce a state of emergency in Rivers was based, according to him, on the country’s constitution, and to forestall a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state following the political crisis that had rocked Rivers State.
In announcing the state of emergency, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. He appointed retired naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
But Kwankwaso has faulted the move, joining the long list of prominent Nigerians who have condemned President Tinubu’s action. He said the action is unconstitutional as an advocate of democracy, Tinubu’s decision is “hugely dangerous”.
“At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it,” the NNPP chieftain said.
“Moreover, for a politician that prides himself as a consistent advocate and defender of democracy in our country, the decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in the 26 years of democratic journey.
“Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country.”
