MAKINDE CONDEMNS STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS, CALLS FOR LEGAL ACTION
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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as an unconstitutional act that must be opposed by all well-meaning Nigerians.
Earlier this week, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd) was appointed as the Sole Administrator of the state.
Reacting to the development in his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, published on Thursday, Governor Makinde expressed deep concerns over what he described as an illegal suspension of democracy in Rivers State.
“I stand today to say that the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose,” Makinde stated.
The Oyo governor emphasized the importance of upholding democratic values regardless of political affiliations or personal loyalties, stressing that democracy must not be undermined.
“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity, and justice,” he added.
Makinde further reiterated the need for national vigilance, warning that any threats to democracy must be confronted. He applauded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for taking swift action in response to the crisis, revealing that the PDP Governors’ Forum had convened an emergency meeting and resolved to challenge the president’s decision in court.
“I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. Yesterday (Wednesday), the PDP Governors’ Forum unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon,” he asserted.
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The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked nationwide reactions, with many legal and political analysts questioning the constitutional basis for the president’s action. The PDP’s legal challenge is expected to add further intensity to the ongoing political crisis in the state.
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