Kwankwaso condemns Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement shared on his social media pages, Kwankwaso expressed deep concern over Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly. He described the move as an abuse of executive power, warning that it could fuel political instability across the country.

The former senator recalled the mistakes of the National Assembly during the 1992/93 political crisis, where lawmakers were distracted by leadership struggles instead of fulfilling their legislative duties. He argued that history was repeating itself, as the current 10th National Assembly had acted as a rubber stamp for the executive by swiftly approving the emergency rule without proper scrutiny.

Kwankwaso particularly faulted the use of a voice vote in ratifying Tinubu’s proclamation, stating that such a critical decision required a transparent voting process. He accused the lawmakers of failing in their duty to check the excesses of the executive, instead choosing to undermine democracy.

He also cautioned against involving the military in civil governance, reminding Tinubu of the efforts made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to keep the armed forces out of politics. According to him, Tinubu, who has always positioned himself as a defender of democracy, should not be the one inviting the military into a position of political authority.

Furthermore, Kwankwaso criticized the Attorney General of the Federation’s remarks supporting the emergency rule, saying they had created uncertainty in opposition-led states. He warned that this could be a dangerous precedent, where the federal government could take over any state that does not align politically with the ruling party.

The NNPP leader maintained that the situation in Rivers State did not warrant an emergency declaration under Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. He described the action as an “unconstitutional overdrive” that, if left unchecked, could encourage impunity at the highest level of government.

Kwankwaso called on democratic institutions, including the judiciary, to uphold the rule of law and prevent Nigeria from sliding into a constitutional crisis.