Kwankwaso Blasts Tinubu Over Rivers State Emergency Declaration: A Threat To Nigeria's Democracy?

Senator Kwankwaso Speaks Out Against Tinubu's Decision

Let me tell you something, folks. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has thrown his hat into the ring against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He’s not mincing words, either, calling it a major threat to the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. This is serious stuff, and Kwankwaso’s voice is one that carries weight in the political arena.

Now, here’s the kicker: Kwankwaso is deeply troubled by the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, and all elected state legislators. In his view, this isn’t just a simple administrative move; it’s a bold overreach of executive power that threatens the democratic principles we’ve fought so hard to uphold. And let’s be honest, when someone with Kwankwaso's experience speaks out, it’s worth listening to what they have to say.

Reflecting on his own experience in the 1992/93 National Assembly, Kwankwaso highlighted a critical lesson: we must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, where lawmakers got caught up in internal power struggles instead of focusing on protecting democratic institutions. This isn’t just about Rivers State; it’s about the future of democracy in Nigeria as a whole.

Read also:

Jonathan Lemires Net Worth In 2024 A Closer Look At His Wealth And Career

Why Kwankwaso Stayed Silent—Until Now

Here’s what Kwankwaso had to say about his initial silence on the issue: “I have closely followed developments in Rivers State in the past two days, and my initial silence was informed by the desire to let the authorities and parties in the conflict do what is right.” But as time went on, it became clear that what he saw happening wasn’t right. His dismay grew as Tinubu’s unilateral decision to remove elected officials from office came to light. Kwankwaso believes this move not only violates the constitution but also poses a direct threat to the democratic fabric of our nation.

And let’s talk about the 10th National Assembly for a moment. Kwankwaso isn’t holding back here. He accused them of failing to uphold democratic principles and acting as nothing more than a rubber stamp for executive overreach. “The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive accountable, not always play to its tune. It is appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more of a rubber stamp than any of its predecessors,” he said. That’s a bold statement, and it speaks volumes about his frustration with the current state of affairs.

He also took aim at the way the National Assembly approved the state of emergency, criticizing the use of a voice vote for such a critical issue. Lack of transparency and due process? That’s a recipe for disaster in a democracy, and Kwankwaso is making sure everyone knows it.

Kwankwaso Urges the Judiciary to Step Up

But it’s not just the executive and legislative branches that Kwankwaso has in his sights. He’s calling on the judiciary to assert its independence and resist external pressures. “Our judiciary must wake up to its responsibility of calming nerves by delivering judgments devoid of any hint of external influence,” he stated, urging judges to ensure fairness in their rulings. This is a crucial moment for the judiciary to prove its commitment to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.

Kwankwaso warned that Tinubu’s actions could set a dangerous precedent for opposition-led states, potentially paving the way for greater federal interference in regional governance. “This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in opposition-led states into disarray. It sets a dangerous precedent for how the Head of State can tighten his grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the center,” he warned.

The Military's Role in Governance: A Step Backward?

Kwankwaso is also critical of the involvement of the military in the governance of Rivers State. He pointed out that Tinubu, who often prides himself as a defender of democracy, should understand the dangers of reintroducing military influence into Nigeria’s political landscape. “For a politician who prides himself as a defender of democracy, drafting the military into a position of leadership is dangerous to the progress we have made in the past 26 years,” Kwankwaso noted.

Read also:

Exploring Richard Roundtrees Net Worth In 2024 The Journey Of A Legendary Actor

He reminded President Tinubu of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s efforts to keep the military confined to their barracks. Kwankwaso warned that reversing this trend could have long-term negative consequences for Nigeria’s democratic progress. This isn’t just about Rivers State; it’s about setting a standard for how our democracy should function moving forward.

A Final Warning: Reconsider the Decision

Concluding his statement, Kwankwaso urged the federal government to reconsider its actions, asserting that the political situation in Rivers State does not justify such drastic measures. “I am of the view that the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. This action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, and if unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity,” he warned.

This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s democracy, and Kwankwaso’s voice is loud and clear. He’s urging everyone involved to pause and reflect on the implications of these actions. Is this the path we want to take? Or should we stand firm in defending the democratic principles that define us as a nation?