At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, key political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, called on Tinubu to revoke the proclamation and restore the elected government in Rivers State.
Abuja, Nigeria – A coalition of prominent Nigerian opposition figures has urged the National Assembly to reject President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, key political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, called on Tinubu to revoke the proclamation and restore the elected government in Rivers State.
Other political figures at the event included Yunusa Tanko, representing Peter Obi, Peter Ahmeh of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative. Several notable politicians, such as former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, sent apologies for their absence.
Opposition’s Stand on Rivers Crisis
Reading the coalition’s communique, Atiku denounced the emergency declaration, calling it an “illegal power grab” and listing their demands.
Immediate Reversal: The group urged Tinubu to withdraw the state of emergency and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly.
Legislative Rejection: They called on the National Assembly to oppose the declaration, stating that lawmakers must “stand on the right side of history” by rejecting any attempt to legitimize an unconstitutional move.
Judicial Action: The opposition urged the judiciary to act swiftly in striking down the declaration, warning that allowing it to stand could set a precedent for arbitrary removals of governors in the future.
Atiku also warned against political instability in the Niger Delta, emphasizing the region’s significance to Nigeria’s economy and national security. He cautioned that any disruption caused by political maneuvering could undo years of peace-building efforts.
“We must not allow personal political interests to override democratic principles and federalism,” Atiku stated. “This is beyond Rivers State—it is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria.”
The controversy surrounding the state of emergency continues to spark debate, with many awaiting the National Assembly’s response and potential legal challenges to the proclamation.
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