Kenneth Okonkwo Speaks Out: A Former LP Member Takes Aim At Tinubu’s Rivers State Move

Okonkwo Slams Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration: A Legal Perspective

Nollywood actor and former Labour Party (LP) member, Kenneth Okonkwo, has taken a strong stand against President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In an interview with Symfoni News, shared on YouTube, Okonkwo laid out his case, arguing that the President's move not only contravenes constitutional provisions but also sets a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.

As a trained lawyer and former spokesperson for the LP presidential campaign, Okonkwo brings a unique perspective to the table. He spoke passionately about the need to uphold the rule of law and criticized what he sees as an overreach by the President. “This isn’t just about Rivers State,” he said. “It’s about the principles of democracy and whether we’re willing to defend them.”

The Constitutional Debate: Martial Law vs. State of Emergency

One of Okonkwo’s main arguments is that President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency is, in fact, an imposition of martial law. “Let’s be clear here,” he explained. “What Tinubu has done is not a state of emergency. It’s martial law, plain and simple.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the distinction between the two, pointing out that the Nigerian Constitution only permits the President to declare a state of emergency under very specific circumstances—none of which, he believes, apply to the current situation in Rivers State.

Read also:

Michael Mitnicks Journey Unpacking His 2024 Net Worth And Career Highlights

Okonkwo cited the Supreme Court case of Attorney General of Bendel State v. Aideyan, which established that any governance action not backed by an enabling law is null and void. “The President’s actions,” he said, “do not meet the constitutional criteria for declaring a state of emergency. This is a blatant disregard for the law.”

Section 1(2) of the Constitution: A Clear Violation

Okonkwo also took issue with the appointment of a sole administrator to oversee Rivers State. According to him, Section 1(2) of the Nigerian Constitution explicitly prohibits the governance of a state by a sole administrator. “This is a fundamental violation of the Constitution,” he argued. “We’re talking about removing duly elected representatives and replacing them with someone handpicked by the President. That’s not democracy—that’s dictatorship.”

To drive his point home, Okonkwo compared Tinubu’s actions to those of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and is now awaiting trial for attempting a coup. “If the Nigerian legislature were functioning as it should,” he said, “they’d be discussing the impeachment of Tinubu right now. This isn’t just about Rivers State—it’s about the future of our democracy.”

The Role of the National Assembly: A Missed Opportunity

Okonkwo was particularly critical of the National Assembly for approving the state of emergency through a voice vote. He argued that this method of approval was a deviation from constitutional processes and that the House of Representatives should have questioned the legality of the President’s actions. “The President can’t just declare martial law and expect everyone to fall in line,” he said. “There’s a process, and it was ignored.”

He pointed out that the President even claimed the sole administrator could make regulations, a form of subsidiary legislation derived from statutory authority. “This is treason,” Okonkwo stated emphatically. “Governing any part of Nigeria outside constitutional provisions is illegal. It’s as simple as that.”

Unconstitutional Takeover: Suspending the Constitution

Okonkwo highlighted that Tinubu’s decision involved suspending multiple sections of the Constitution, including those governing the removal of governors and House of Assembly members. He explained that the President does not have the power to override these provisions. “In a legitimate state of emergency,” he said, “Section 305 of the Constitution specifies that such a declaration can only be made under certain conditions: war, national security threats, public order breakdowns, or natural disasters requiring extraordinary intervention. None of these conditions exist in Rivers State.”

Read also:

Andrew Niccols Net Worth In 2024 A Look Into His Film Success And Financial Insights

He also criticized the security report cited by Tinubu as justification for the state of emergency. “A classified security report doesn’t give the President the power to remove elected officials,” Okonkwo stated. “The Constitution is clear: he who appoints has the power to remove. If the President wants to remove elected officials, he needs to follow the proper legal procedures.”

A Call to Action: Upholding the Rule of Law

Okonkwo concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of governance rooted in the rule of law. “Democracy means nothing if we don’t uphold the Constitution,” he said. “Tinubu’s actions represent a significant departure from constitutional governance and set a dangerous precedent for the country. We need to recognize this for what it is: an attack on our democracy.”

He called on the Nigerian people to remain vigilant and to hold their leaders accountable. “This isn’t just about Rivers State,” he said. “It’s about the future of Nigeria. If we don’t stand up for the rule of law now, we may never get another chance.”