Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement released on Thursday night, March 20, Kwankwaso criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state legislators, describing it as an overreach of executive power.
“I have closely followed developments in Rivers State in the past two days, and my initial silence was informed by the desire to let the authorities and parties in the conflict do what is right,” he said.
Expressing concern over the decision, Kwankwaso argued that Tinubu’s move violated the constitution and undermined democratic principles. He also accused the 10th National Assembly of failing in its duty to check executive overreach.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive accountable, not always play to its tune. It is appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more of a rubber stamp than any of its predecessors,” he stated.
The former Kano governor further questioned the transparency of the National Assembly’s approval process, saying the use of a voice vote for such a critical issue undermined due process.
He also urged the judiciary to maintain its independence, warning against external influence in court rulings. “Our judiciary must wake up to its responsibility of calming nerves by delivering judgments devoid of any hint of external influence,” he said.
Kwankwaso expressed fears that Tinubu’s actions could set a troubling precedent for opposition-led states, suggesting that it could lead to increased federal interference.
“This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in opposition-led states into disarray. It sets a dangerous precedent for how the Head of State can tighten his grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the center,” he warned.
He also criticized the involvement of the military in the situation, noting that Tinubu, who has positioned himself as a defender of democracy, should recognize the risks of reintroducing military influence into governance.
“For a politician who prides himself as a defender of democracy, drafting the military into a position of leadership is dangerous to the progress we have made in the past 26 years,” he remarked.
He reminded Tinubu of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s efforts to keep the military out of governance, warning that reversing this trend could have lasting consequences.
Calling for a reconsideration of the state of emergency, Kwankwaso insisted that the political situation in Rivers State did not justify such drastic measures.
“I am of the view that the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, and if unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity,” he concluded.
