In a strongly-worded statement released today, former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling the move “not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy.”
The declaration, which suspended Governor Similayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state legislators from office, has sparked significant controversy across the nation.
Drawing parallels to the political crisis of 1993, Kwankwaso reflected on his own experience as a former parliamentarian: “Reflecting on our journey in 1992/93 and the events leading to the annulment in 1993, I remember our mistakes as parliamentarians in the National Assembly, where we focused on leadership tussle instead of holding our primary legislative work.
The statement by the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader sharply criticized the current National Assembly for its handling of the situation, particularly the manner in which they ratified the president’s proclamation.
“It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” Kwankwaso stated. “More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation.”
He specifically questioned the procedural approach, noting that “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.”
Particularly troubling to Kwankwaso is the involvement of military personnel in state governance. “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,” he warned.
The statement further emphasized that President 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.”
According to Kwankwaso, the declaration sets a “dangerous precedence” for how the federal government might handle states controlled by opposition parties.
“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,” he observed, suggesting the move could be interpreted as a way for the central government to exert control over politically opposed states.
Kwankwaso concluded his statement by asserting that “the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution,” and warned that “the action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked.”
Political analysts suggest that this controversy could significantly test Nigeria’s democratic institutions in the coming weeks, as legal challenges to the emergency declaration are expected.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
