Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has criticized the National Assembly for supporting the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, announced on Tuesday, caught many by surprise and has sparked divided opinions since. However, two days after the announcement, both the Senate and the House of Representatives backed the president’s decision, a move Kwankwaso described as detrimental to the nation’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.”
‘Hugely Dangerous’
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.”