Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP), has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Kwankwaso described the move as an unconstitutional decision that threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued via his official social media handle, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment with the
president’s action. He argued that the National Assembly’s quick endorsement of the president’s proclamation was a
failure of the legislature to check executive overreach.
Kwankwaso also condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of
the assembly. He described the move as an illegality that undermines the democratic process.
The former Kano State governor warned that the president’s action sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to a
culture of impunity. He urged the judiciary to play its role in upholding constitutional order and called on legal
institutions to remain impartial.
You may also like: PDP, Atiku, Obi, CUPP, PANDEF Rejects Emergency Rule in Rivers
Kwankwaso emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitution and the rule of law. He argued that the
president’s decision to involve the military in governance is a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The former governor warned that the country has worked hard to establish democratic stability since its return to
civilian rule in 1999. He urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision and respect the democratic process.
Kwankwaso’s criticism of the president’s action has sparked a heated debate about the limits of executive power and
the importance of respecting the Constitution.
The Rivers State government has yet to respond to Kwankwaso’s criticism. However, the state’s governor, Siminalayi
Fubara, has vowed to challenge the president’s decision in court.
