Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Kwankwaso described the move as unconstitutional and a step that could lead to anarchy in the country.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Kwankwaso criticized the executive action and accused the National Assembly of failing in its duty to check the president’s powers.
This Action Undermines Democracy
Kwankwaso expressed concern that Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected legislators was a serious violation of democratic principles.
“I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy, and all elected state legislators from office,” he stated.
He condemned the 10th National Assembly for approving Tinubu’s decision without proper debate, saying that lawmakers should be holding the executive accountable rather than simply endorsing its actions.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” he lamented.
Kwankwaso further criticized the method of approval used by the National Assembly, arguing that such an important issue should not have been decided through a voice vote.
“The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use a voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with proper procedures and transparency,” he argued.
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Judiciary Must Be Fair and Independent
The former senator also called on the judiciary to maintain fairness in handling the crisis. He emphasized the importance of judicial independence and warned against any external influence on court rulings.
“Our judiciary has the very important task of balancing power by being fair to all parties in any conflict. The custodians of the law in Nigeria need to wake up to their responsibility of calming nerves by being as just as possible, with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence,” Kwankwaso said.
Military Should Not Be Involved in Leadership
Kwankwaso also warned against involving the military in political leadership. He noted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo worked hard to keep the military out of politics, and Tinubu’s actions could reverse those democratic gains.
“For a politician that prides himself as a consistent advocate and defender of democracy in our country, the decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in our 26 years of democracy,” he cautioned.
Setting a Dangerous Precedent
Kwankwaso warned that the declaration of emergency in Rivers State could set a precedent that might be used against opposition-led states in the future.
“This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in states led by the opposition into disarray, as they set a dangerous precedence for how the Head of State can grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the centre,” he stated.
He argued that the situation in Rivers State did not justify such drastic action and accused Tinubu of misinterpreting the 1999 Constitution.
“I am of the view that the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” Kwankwaso declared.