Atiku Abubakar (L), Nasiru El-Rufai (R) during a joint press briefing in Abuja
By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja-
A coalition of opposition political leaders, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and some Labour Party leaders, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State
The political leaders described Tinubu’s action as “unconstitutional” and “a brazen assault on constitutional governance.
In a joint press conference, the group expressed outrage over the President’s actions, which they claim are driven by a desire to subvert democracy and impose federal control over the duly elected state government.
The leaders argued that the President’s declaration of a state of emergency is not supported by the Constitution, which only allows for such a declaration in extreme cases where public safety, national security, or Nigeria’s sovereignty is at serious risk.
They also pointed out that the President’s actions violate several provisions of the Constitution, including Section 188, which outlines the procedure for removing a Governor, and Section 305, which governs the declaration of a state of emergency.
The leaders called on all Nigerians to resist this “assault on democracy” and urged the President to reconsider his actions and follow the Constitution.
They also expressed concern over the potential consequences of the President’s actions, which they fear could lead to further instability and conflict in the country. They also called on the national Assembly to oppose the development.
The leaders’ condemnation of the President’s actions comes amid a growing crisis in Rivers State, which has been plagued by political tensions and violence in recent weeks.
