Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vehemently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, branding it a blatant act of “political manipulation and outright bad faith.” Atiku’s condemnation centers on the argument that Tinubu’s involvement in the state’s political turmoil extends beyond mere oversight; he accuses the president of acting as a “vested partisan actor,” either actively enabling the crisis or passively failing to prevent its escalation. This inaction, Atiku asserts, is “nothing short of disgraceful,” highlighting what he perceives as a deliberate neglect of presidential responsibility to maintain peace and order. The statement, released via X (formerly Twitter), underscores the deep political rift between the two figures and raises concerns about the potential misuse of executive powers.
Atiku’s critique extends to the security breaches that have resulted in the destruction of national infrastructure within Rivers State. He places the blame squarely on President Tinubu, arguing that the compromise of federal assets signifies a failure of leadership. The former Vice President contends that punishing the people of Rivers State through a state of emergency merely serves the political machinations between Governor Nyesom Wike and Tinubu’s allies within the Federal Government. This action, Atiku argues, constitutes a direct assault on democratic principles and warrants the strongest possible condemnation. His statement positions the declaration of emergency not as a solution to the underlying issues but as a tool to further partisan interests, thereby exacerbating the existing tensions within the state and potentially undermining the rule of law.
Furthermore, Atiku draws a sharp contrast between Tinubu’s approach and that of former President Umaru Yar’Adua, whose administration is credited with achieving a period of relative peace in the Niger Delta. He accuses Tinubu of reversing these hard-won gains, claiming that the current administration’s actions have plunged the region back into an era characterized by “violent unrest and instability.” This comparison serves to underscore Atiku’s argument that Tinubu’s handling of the situation is not only ineffective but actively detrimental to the security and stability of the region. It also evokes a nostalgic image of a more peaceful past, implicitly criticizing the current administration’s policies and their perceived consequences.
Atiku’s call to action urges Nigerians to reject what he terms a “political scheme” and to resist the manipulation of the situation in Rivers State for partisan gain. He frames the declaration of a state of emergency not as a genuine attempt to address the underlying issues but rather as a calculated move to advance specific political agendas. This appeal to the Nigerian public aims to mobilize opposition against the perceived abuse of power and to safeguard the democratic process. Atiku positions himself as a defender of the people against the machinations of those in power, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and active participation in holding the government accountable.
The core of Atiku’s argument rests on the belief that President Tinubu’s actions are driven by political motivations rather than a genuine concern for the well-being of the people of Rivers State. He sees the declaration of a state of emergency as a punitive measure designed to serve narrow political interests, at the expense of the state’s stability and the rights of its citizens. This perspective casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the emergency declaration, portraying it as a tool of political maneuvering rather than a necessary response to a genuine crisis.
By framing the situation in Rivers State as a product of political manipulation, Atiku seeks to rally public opinion against President Tinubu and his administration. He appeals to a sense of fairness and democratic principles, arguing that the people of Rivers State are being unfairly targeted for political reasons. This narrative positions Atiku as a champion of the people and a defender of democracy against what he perceives as an overreach of executive power. The statement, therefore, serves not only as a critique of the current administration but also as a strategic move to solidify Atiku’s political standing and influence within the Nigerian political landscape.
