Atiku asks Nigerians to refuse State of Emergency in Rivers

former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to stand firm in defence of democracy by rejecting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Abubakar described the president’s move as an “unconstitutional power grab” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic principles.

Tinubu’s controversial decision, announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, saw the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly. In their place, the president appointed a sole administrator, a move that has sparked widespread outrage across the political spectrum.

Abubakar did not mince words as he called on Tinubu to immediately revoke the emergency rule and reinstate the elected officials of Rivers State. “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly of Rivers State,” he declared.

The former vice-president also urged the National Assembly to reject what he termed an “illegal action” when it comes before them for approval. “The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimize an unconstitutional power grab,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, Abubakar called on the judiciary to swiftly strike down the proclamation, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent that could be exploited to arbitrarily remove any governor in the future.

Expressing deep concern, Abubakar reminded Nigerians that even during previous states of emergency, governors of affected states were never removed. “This action by President Tinubu represents a new low for our country,” he lamented.

He also cautioned against reigniting unrest in the Niger Delta, an area with a history of political volatility. “Past administrations have made great efforts and sacrifices to restore peace and stability to the Niger Delta. The federal government should not manufacture political crises that could disrupt the fragile stability of the region and plunge the nation into chaos,” he warned

Abubakar urged civil society organizations, political groups, and ordinary Nigerians to rise in defence of democracy. “Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship requiring the replacement of an ELECTED GOVERNOR with a MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR,” he declared forcefully.

He warned against personal political interests being prioritized over national stability. “We must never allow the desire to hold on to power at all costs to throw the country into unavoidable chaos through brazen subversion of federalism, democracy, and constitutional governance,” he said.

The press conference was attended by several prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha. Their presence underscored the gravity of the situation and the widespread opposition to Tinubu’s move.