Tinubu’s Rivers State Decision Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy – Kwankwaso

tinubuThe 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso has come out to blast President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

He recently had his say via his social media page, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, the move is an unconstitutional decision that threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles, and the National Assembly quickly endorsing the president’s proclamation is proof that the legislature failed in its duty to check executive overreach.

Kwankwaso added that he had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing that illegality.

His words, “I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi 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 the proper procedures and transparency.

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.

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.

Bola 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.”

WOW.