Tinubu’s Action In Rivers Is A “Shameful Violation” Of Democracy – Arigbe-Osula

Former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula has condemned President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and reckless.

Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the political crisis in Rivers State, labeling his actions unconstitutional and detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.

Arigbe-Osula, who previously served in the National Assembly, expressed profound disappointment over what he described as a reckless abuse of power.

In a statement, Arigbe-Osula argued that while the President possesses the authority to declare a state of emergency, he lacks the constitutional right to remove a democratically elected governor or dissolve the state House of Assembly. He stated, “There is no place in our constitution that gave the President the authority to remove a democratically elected governor and the House of Assembly. He has the power to declare a State of Emergency, but that power doesn’t remove the Governor and the House of Assembly.”

Drawing parallels to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s controversial decisions during his administration, Arigbe-Osula emphasized that such actions set a perilous precedent. He remarked, “Just like I said then, when President Obasanjo did same, President Tinubu is recklessly lawless by so doing. This action is an inexplicable contravention of our country’s constitution and should be seen and known to all as null and void.”

He further expressed dismay that Tinubu, having served as both a lawmaker and a governor, would undertake such measures. “Coming from President Tinubu, a former lawmaker and governor, it is a big disappointment and shame to have done this under any guise. This has taken our democracy to an all-time low,” Arigbe-Osula lamented.

The crisis in Rivers State originated from a political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The conflict escalated, leading to legislative and security tensions that disrupted governance in the state. In response, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, effectively sidelining the elected governor and lawmakers.

This decision has ignited widespread debate, with critics questioning its legality and potential long-term implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability. While some believe it was necessary to restore order, others argue it undermines the will of the people and sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach in state matters.

As Rivers State continues to operate under the administration appointed by the President, the controversy surrounding the situation remains intense. Political observers caution that the resolution of this crisis will have lasting implications for governance and democracy in Nigeria.

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