The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State has vehemently criticized Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, for his public support of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This criticism stems from Matawalle’s justification of the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a move the PDP deems illegal and unconstitutional. The party’s statement, issued by its chairman, Jibo Jamilu, highlights Matawalle’s alleged hypocrisy in condemning Fubara’s actions while having a similar track record during his own governorship in Zamfara State.
The PDP’s statement underscores Matawalle’s alleged disregard for democratic principles and human rights during his time as governor. They cite his dismissal of democratically elected local government chairmen and the demolition of public buildings, including the Gusau Hotel and Farida Hospital, as examples of his inconsistent stance. The party further accuses Matawalle of governing unilaterally, bypassing Executive Council meetings, and illegally removing his deputy for refusing to defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC). These actions, according to the PDP, expose the hollowness of Matawalle’s criticism of Fubara.
The PDP argues that Matawalle’s endorsement of the emergency rule and the subsequent suspension of elected officials in Rivers State is not only unacceptable but also unconstitutional. They contend that his past actions in Zamfara State demonstrate a pattern of similar disregard for democratic norms, disqualifying him from judging the actions of others. The statement emphasizes that removing elected officials under the guise of an emergency rule sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the foundations of democratic governance and the rule of law.
The central issue raised by the PDP is the potential abuse of emergency powers and its implications for democratic processes. They argue that such actions create a slippery slope, where political expediency can be used to override established legal procedures and remove duly elected officials. This, they warn, could lead to a climate of instability and uncertainty, undermining the trust citizens have in democratic institutions. The PDP’s statement serves as a call for upholding constitutional principles and resisting actions that could erode democratic norms.
The PDP’s criticism of Matawalle also highlights the ongoing political tensions within Nigeria. The party’s accusation of hypocrisy underscores the complex interplay of power, politics, and accusations within the country’s political landscape. The statement also reflects the broader struggle between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP, with each party accusing the other of undermining democratic principles to gain political advantage.
The PDP’s strong reaction to Matawalle’s stance underlines the importance of upholding democratic principles and respecting the rule of law. Their statement emphasizes the need for due process and the protection of the rights of elected officials. By raising these concerns, the PDP hopes to draw attention to what they perceive as a dangerous precedent being set in Rivers State and calls for a return to constitutional governance and respect for democratic processes. Their criticism of Matawalle serves as a broader commentary on the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy and the ongoing struggle to consolidate democratic gains.
