The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The party calls it unconstitutional and politically driven. They warn it sets a dangerous precedent.
President Tinubu’s Declaration and Its Impact
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers. He took this step due to ongoing political unrest. The declaration included suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and state assembly members for six months. Additionally, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to administer the state.
NNPP’s Reaction to the State of Emergency
NNPP responded quickly to the declaration. In a statement released on Wednesday, spokesperson Ladipo Johnson condemned the decision. He called it an “absurd political decision” and criticized it as a “dangerous precedent.” The NNPP emphasized that the political situation in Rivers had not escalated enough to warrant such drastic action. Furthermore, they argued that other, less extreme solutions were available.
The party also highlighted that the president’s action was arbitrary. They argued it violated the legal requirements outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. NNPP’s statement reads, “It is clearly a dangerous precedent that can only be seen as political manipulation by the federal government.”
Concerns About Political Manipulation
The NNPP raised questions about the motivations behind the timing. “Why rush into a state of emergency when the law’s conditions were not met?” they asked. They also questioned whether the decision was influenced by political interests in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections. These concerns center around the federal government’s potential political motivations in a key state.
A Call for Reversal
Finally, the NNPP urged President Tinubu to reverse his decision. They suggested that a more thoughtful approach could have been taken to resolve the crisis. Acting with more care could have avoided this controversial decision. The party also called on the National Assembly to reject the state of emergency in Rivers.
In conclusion, the NNPP voiced strong opposition to the state of emergency. They warned that such actions could have long-lasting consequences for Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a legal and measured approach to political issues in the country.
