N’assembly’s ratification of Rivers emergency undermines our democracy, says Kwankwaso

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano state governor, says the national assembly’s decision to ratify President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers has undermined Nigeria’s democracy.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as sole administrator for the state.

On Thursday, the national assembly ratified the president’s decision through voice votes.

In a statement, Kwankwaso warned of the dangers of involving the military in governance given the nation’s recent history.

“First, I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy and all elected state legislators from office,” he wrote on X.

“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.”

The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) described Tinubu’s actions in Rivers as unconstitutional.

He urged the judiciary to “wake up to its responsibility” of calming nerves with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence.

“At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state,” Kwankwaso added.

“The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it.

“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.

“The action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked.”