Renowned economist and political analyst, Professor Pat Utomi, has strongly criticized the National Assembly for approving President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Utomi declared that Nigeria no longer operates as a democracy, arguing that lawmakers have repeatedly insulted the Nigerian people with their decisions.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, March 21, 2025, Utomi expressed deep disappointment over the National Assembly’s endorsement of Tinubu’s decision. He described the approval as an attack on democracy and an insult to the citizens.
“Democracy was murdered in Nigeria yesterday. I cannot publicly say I come from a country that operates democracy—it’s not a democracy. Even the manner of it is so disdainful of the sensitivity of the Nigerian people. To do what they did yesterday was an insult to the Nigerian people. The National Assembly has become consistent in insulting the Nigerian people. We do not have a democracy anymore,” he said.
Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Sparks Controversy
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The decision came amid an ongoing political crisis in the state, but it has faced strong opposition from political analysts, legal experts, and activists.
Despite these criticisms, the Senate and the House of Representatives unanimously approved the emergency rule on Thursday, March 20, 2025. This move angered many Nigerians, including Utomi, who questioned the credibility of the lawmakers.
Also Read:
- Kwankwaso Condemns Tinubu’s Declaration of Emergency in Rivers
- Bribery Allegations Rock National Assembly as Lawmakers Approve Rivers Emergency Rule
Lawmakers Were Hiding When We Fought for Democracy
Utomi criticized the current members of the National Assembly, stating that many of them were not involved in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
“Most of these lawmakers were hiding when people like me fought for democracy,” he said.
He also questioned the voting process used in approving the emergency rule. He pointed out that the lawmakers claimed there was no dissenting voice, yet in past cases, decisions had been manipulated.
“I have seen situations where lawmakers said ‘nays,’ and the Speaker still said ‘the ayes have it.’ This is not democracy,” he remarked.
Utomi warned that Nigerian leaders were destroying the country’s institutions and damaging its reputation globally.
“It’s a tragedy that Nigeria has been brought to a situation where the world now laughs at us,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to resist any actions that undermine democracy and called on leaders to uphold the principles of justice and fairness.