‘Tinubu was ill-advised,’ NNPP condemns emergency rule in Rivers

The New Nigeria Peoples Party has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency imposed in Rivers State.

PUNCH Online reports that the President had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the state.

The president also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and state assembly members for six months.

Tinubu also nominated former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to administer the state.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP described Tinubu’s action as unconstitutional and “an absurd political decision and a very dangerous precedent”.

The party said the political crisis in Rivers had not degenerated to the level warranting a state of emergency, adding that a “more reasonable solution” could have been applied.

The statement reads, “Of course, the presidential fiat invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution is arbitrary in the circumstances, to say the least, particularly on the conditions precedent and implications for democracy and development of the country.

“It is clearly a dangerous precedent which can only be interpreted as an absurd political manipulation on the part of the federal government.

“Why the rush to proclaim a State of Emergency without the conditions precedent as required by law? Doesn’t the president’s action vitiate the rule of law he talked about in his speech?

“Hasn’t he, by this rash action shown us that he does not fully understand the long-term implications and have the requisite skills required to rule a complex country like Nigeria?

“Or is it about his Party’s much-touted political interest in Rivers State ahead of 2027?

“These are questions germane to this unfortunate decision, which, of course, sends frightening signals both locally and internationally regarding the rule of law and overall state of things in our union.”

Ladipo said Tinubu was ill-advised, noting that he could have “acted as a father” in resolving the crisis.

He, therefore, asked Tinubu to reverse Fubara’s suspension, urging the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule.