Tinubu setting dangerous precedent with emergency in Rivers, says NNPP

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has condemned the state of emergency in Rivers state.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, to administer the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ladipo Johnson, NNPP spokesperson, said Tinubu’s action is not only unconstitutional but “an absurd political decision and a very dangerous precedent”.

Johnson said the political crisis in Rivers had not degenerated to the level warranting a state of emergency, adding that a “more reasonable solution” could have been applied.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Ladipo said Tinubu was “ill-advised”, noting that he could have “acted as a father” in resolving the crisis.

“The NNPP, however, reckoned with the implication of the declaration of the State of Emergency for the economy, warning that it was a decision capable of triggering restlessness in the Niger Delta with disastrous effects on the national economy,” the statement added. 

“Now the challenge is how to deal with a possible implosion in the Niger Delta over this matter.

“Are we seeing signs of this as per the incidents in the State in the last few days and how this could affect oil production as the nation’s economic mainstay?”

Ladipo asked Tinubu to “immediately” reverse Fubara’s suspension, urging the national assembly to reject the emergency rule.