Atiku slams ‘corrupt’ National Assembly for ratifying Rivers emergency rule
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the National Assembly’s swift approval of the emergency rule in Rivers State, saying he is “not surprised” by the decision.
The controversy began on March 18, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers due to the prolonged political crisis. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for six months. In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the sole administrator of the state.
Within 48 hours, both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved the emergency rule—using a voice vote, a method that does not reveal the exact number of lawmakers in favour or against the motion. Critics argue that the decision was rushed and lacked transparency.
Speaking in a preview for the upcoming interview series Untold Stories with Adesuwa, Atiku did not hold back in his assessment of the National Assembly’s role in the decision.
“I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt. No apologies about that. They could do anything,” he stated.
Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, went on to say that Nigeria has never been in greater need of credible and experienced leadership than now.
The emergency rule in Rivers has drawn widespread condemnation from political stakeholders and civil society groups, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy.
With 360 members in the House of Representatives and 109 in the Senate, Tinubu would have needed at least 240 votes in the House and 73 in the Senate to ratify his proclamation under normal voting procedures. Instead, lawmakers opted for a voice vote, leaving many questioning the legitimacy of the approval process.
