Photo: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Mathew Amaechi
A contentious debate has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The President’s decision, announced in a national broadcast on Tuesday, suspended the governor, deputy governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The APC has thrown its weight behind the President, arguing that the state of emergency was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state. According to Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly, had destroyed the foundation of democracy in the state.
However, the NNPP has vehemently opposed the President’s decision, labeling it an “absurd political decision” and a “dangerous precedent.” Ladipo Johnson, the NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, argued that the President’s action was unconstitutional and arbitrary, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution without meeting the necessary conditions.
The NNPP has also warned that the declaration of a state of emergency could have far-reaching implications for the economy, potentially triggering restlessness in the Niger Delta and affecting oil production. The party has called on the Presidency to reverse its decision and urged members of the National Assembly to reject what it termed a “presidential coup” against a constitutionally elected government.
