Presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement issued via his official X handle yesterday, Kwankwaso described the move as an unconstitutional decision that threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles.
Kwankwaso also berated the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all elected members of the House of Assembly.
He also condemned the National Assembly for quickly endorsing the president’s proclamation, arguing that the legislature failed in its duty to check executive overreach.
“I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Tinubu to suspend Governor Fubara of Rivers State, his deputy and all elected state legislators from office. 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.
“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 proper procedures and transparency,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged the judiciary to play its role in upholding constitutional order, calling on legal institutions to remain impartial and resist external influence.
“Our judiciary also has the very important task of balancing the balance of power by being fair to all parties in any conflict.
“I believe that the custodians of the law in Nigeria need to wake up to their responsibility of calming nerves by being as just as possible, with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence,” he noted.
The former Kano State governor warned against involving the military in governance, noting that Nigeria has worked hard to establish democratic stability since its return to civilian rule in 1999.
“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.
“Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work that former President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country,” he asserted.
The former governor warned that the president’s action sets a dangerous precedent, adding to it could lead to a culture of impunity.
“I am of the view that the political situation on ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.
“The action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” he added.