Opposition parties and concerned Nigerians have strongly condemned a recent statement by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, warning that President Bola Tinubu could declare a state of emergency in any state if necessary. The remark has sparked widespread outrage, with critics describing it as a threat to democracy and an attempt to silence opposition voices.
Fagbemi made the statement while defending the Federal Government’s controversial declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly. The move has been widely criticized, as the 1999 Constitution allows for emergency rule under certain conditions but does not grant the president the power to suspend elected officials.
Opposition Leaders Speak Out
Opposition leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have rejected the AGF’s statement, insisting that Nigerians will not succumb to what they see as a calculated attempt to weaken democracy.
Ekemini Uba, the Legal Adviser of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using emergency rule as a tool to intimidate the opposition.
Uba said, “The procedure to declare a state of emergency is clearly stated in the Constitution. It is meant to restore peace and stability, not to suppress opposition parties. This is just a tactic to instill fear in opposition states and silence those who are critical of the government’s actions.”
In Kano State, NNPP Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa described the AGF’s statement as “dangerous” and a threat to democratic values. He questioned why emergency rule was not declared in states facing severe security crises.
Dungurawa asked, “Why didn’t they declare a state of emergency in Katsina and Sokoto, where insecurity is out of control?. This is unfortunate and not helpful to democracy. It shows the president is acting in favor of his party while neglecting opposition states.”
A political analyst, Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, warned that such remarks signal a shift toward dictatorship. “By making such statements, it appears that at any slight provocation, the president might declare emergency rule in any state. This is highly undemocratic,” he said.
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Fears of a ‘Democratic Dictatorship’
Leaders from several opposition states, including Taraba, Abia, and Bayelsa, expressed concerns that the APC-led government is undermining democracy.
The PDP spokesperson in Taraba State, Andeta’rang Irammae, described Fagbemi’s remarks as “executive recklessness” and an attempt to stifle opposition.
Irammae said, “Our democracy is being threatened. The AGF’s statement suggests that Nigeria no longer operates as a democracy but as a dictatorship. The president was once a champion of democracy, but instead of strengthening it, he is destroying it.”
Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara also condemned the AGF’s comment, warning that it sends a “dangerous signal” about Nigeria’s future. “This kind of intimidation is meant to silence the opposition. But democracy cannot thrive without opposition voices,” he said.
In Rivers State, Labour Party Chairperson Hilda Dokubo called the situation “shameful,” accusing the federal government of using emergency rule as a means to control the state’s resources. “This is nothing but a political power grab,” she said.
Calls for Action
As opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal experts continue to raise alarms over the issue, there are growing calls for Nigerians to resist what they see as an attempt to erode democratic governance.
Political activist Godwin Peter urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), religious leaders, and traditional rulers to speak out against the threat of emergency rule in opposition states.
“The government is using emergency rule as a weapon to create a one-party state,” Peter said. “This must be condemned by all Nigerians.”
Similarly, Igboezue International Association, a pro-Igbo group, criticized Fagbemi’s statement, describing it as an attempt to silence political opposition. The group warned that emotions are already running high and called for caution.
“Nigerian leaders must learn from history. Political crises like this have led to the collapse of past republics,” said the group’s National President, Chief Pius Okoye.
As the debate over emergency rule intensifies, many Nigerians are watching closely to see if the federal government will take similar action against other opposition-led states. For now, one thing is clear: the battle over the future of Nigeria’s democracy is far from over.