Atiku leads coalition of political leaders in condemning Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on behalf of a coalition of political leaders, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly.

In a speech delivered at a press conference in Abuja, Atiku described the President’s actions as a “brazen subversion of democracy” and a “clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution.”

He emphasized that the President’s declaration of a state of emergency was not justified, as there was no evidence of war, external aggression, or natural disasters in Rivers State.

Atiku also criticized the President’s failure to follow due process, stating that the National Assembly’s approval was required for the declaration of a state of emergency.

He called on the National Assembly to reject the President’s proclamation and urged the judiciary to strike it down.

The coalition of political leaders, which includes representatives from various opposition parties, has demanded that President Tinubu immediately revoke the proclamation and reinstate the elected officials in Rivers State. They also called on Nigerians to stand firm in defending democracy and the rule of law.

Atiku highlighted several constitutional violations by the President, including the illegal removal of elected officials, misuse of Section 305 on state of emergency, failure to meet constitutional requirements, and failure to follow due process.

He noted that the President’s actions were not about security, but about power grabbing and control. Atiku emphasized that the disagreements within Rivers State stem from the defection of 27 Assembly members from the PDP to the APC, their loss of seats under constitutional provisions, and the subsequent political maneuvering to undermine the Governor’s mandate.

The coalition called on President Tinubu to respect the Constitution and the rule of law, and to immediately reverse his actions. They also urged the National Assembly to reject the President’s proclamation and to defend the Constitution.

This development is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding President Tinubu’s administration, which has been accused of undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law. The situation in Rivers State remains tense, with many residents expressing concerns about the implications of the President’s actions for the state’s democracy and stability.