The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. The move, announced on Tuesday, has drawn concerns from political groups and stakeholders, who believe it sets a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.
President Tinubu declared the emergency following the prolonged political crisis in the state. As part of the decision, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly for six months. In their place, he appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to take charge of the state’s administration.
Reacting to the development, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson, in a statement on Wednesday, described the decision as unconstitutional and unnecessary. He noted that the situation in Rivers had not escalated to a point that required such drastic action. According to the party, a “more reasonable solution” could have been used to resolve the crisis without resorting to emergency rule.
The statement read: “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.”
Johnson further noted that Tinubu had been given poor advice regarding the crisis and should have taken a more diplomatic approach. He argued that the president should have “acted as a father” in handling the matter rather than taking extreme measures.
The NNPP urged Tinubu to reconsider the decision and reinstate Governor Fubara. The party also called on the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule and ensure that constitutional processes are followed.
