The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has vehemently denounced President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, characterizing it as an unconstitutional overreach and a perilous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. This drastic measure, which included the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly members, was implemented following a protracted political crisis in the state. The NNPP argues that the situation in Rivers State, while undoubtedly tense, did not warrant such an extreme response, and that President Tinubu should have pursued a more measured and judicious approach. Replacing the elected officials with a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), further underscores the NNPP’s concerns about the potential erosion of democratic processes.
The crux of the NNPP’s argument lies in the perceived disregard for the rule of law. They contend that President Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution was arbitrary and lacked the necessary justification. The party questions the President’s understanding of the long-term ramifications of such a move, suggesting that it reveals a lack of the sophisticated political acumen required to govern a nation as complex as Nigeria. Furthermore, the NNPP raises concerns about the potential for political manipulation, questioning whether the decision was driven by the ruling party’s strategic interests in Rivers State, particularly in anticipation of the 2027 elections. This casts a shadow of doubt on the President’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and raises concerns about the overall stability of the nation’s political landscape.
The NNPP’s statement emphasizes the disproportionate nature of the President’s response. They maintain that the political crisis in Rivers State, while concerning, did not escalate to a level that justified the imposition of a state of emergency. The party posits that a more reasoned and conciliatory approach could have been adopted, one that prioritized dialogue and negotiation over such a heavy-handed intervention. This approach, they argue, would have been more in line with the principles of democratic governance and would have demonstrated a commitment to resolving political disputes through peaceful means. The NNPP’s call for a reversal of the President’s decision highlights their conviction that the current course of action is not only undemocratic but also counterproductive to the long-term stability and progress of Rivers State.
The NNPP’s condemnation of President Tinubu’s actions extends beyond the immediate implications for Rivers State. They express deep apprehension about the potential for this decision to set a dangerous precedent for the entire country. By resorting to such extreme measures in response to a political disagreement, the President, in the NNPP’s view, has undermined the rule of law and created a climate of uncertainty and fear. This could embolden future leaders to bypass established democratic processes and resort to authoritarian tactics, thereby jeopardizing the hard-won progress towards a more stable and democratic Nigeria. The party’s appeal to the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule underscores their belief that this is a pivotal moment for the country and that the legislature must act to safeguard the principles of constitutionalism and democracy.
The NNPP’s critique of President Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State crisis centers on the perceived lack of due process and the potential for political motivations to override democratic principles. Their statement raises serious questions about the President’s judgment and his commitment to upholding the rule of law. By characterizing the decision as “absurd” and “rash,” the NNPP underscores their belief that the President acted hastily and without proper consideration for the long-term consequences of his actions. They further suggest that the President may have been ill-advised, neglecting to seek counsel and explore alternative solutions before resorting to such a drastic measure. This, in their view, demonstrates a lack of the careful deliberation and statesmanship expected of a national leader.
The NNPP’s call for President Tinubu to reverse his decision and for the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule reflects their deep concern about the future of democracy in Nigeria. They argue that the President’s actions not only undermine the rule of law but also set a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for the country. The NNPP’s strong condemnation of the President’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of upholding constitutional principles, especially in times of political tension. Their plea for a more considered and measured approach to resolving political disputes underscores the need for leadership that prioritizes dialogue, compromise, and respect for the democratic process.
