Rivers State Emergency: Governor Makinde Speaks Out

Governor Makinde Condemns Rivers State Emergency

Listen up, folks. The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, isn’t holding back his thoughts on President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He’s making it crystal clear that he strongly opposes this move, and he’s calling on others to do the same.

According to Naija News, the House of Representatives and the Senate gave their stamp of approval to President Tinubu’s decision through a voice vote last Thursday. This move not only declares a state of emergency in Rivers State but also suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. That’s a lot of power being wielded, and it’s not sitting well with everyone.

Why Makinde is Speaking Out

Now, here’s the kicker: Governor Makinde isn’t just any critic. He’s a close ally of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, which gives his words some serious weight. In a statement released last Thursday, Makinde emphasized that President Tinubu’s actions should be condemned by anyone who values democracy and fairness. He titled his statement ‘Stand Up, Even If You Are Alone,’ signaling his readiness to take a stand, even if it means standing alone.

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Makinde went on to say, “This is why I stand today (Thursday) to say that the declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.” His message is clear: this isn’t just about politics; it’s about upholding the principles of democracy that Nigeria has fought so hard to build.

Backing from the PDP

But Makinde isn’t alone in his fight. He praised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s Governors Forum for standing firm against the state of emergency. He believes that now is the time for everyone to rally behind fairness, equity, and justice. Makinde stated, “Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity, and justice.”

He further added, “Yesterday (Wednesday), the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.” It’s evident that Makinde and his allies are ready to take this fight to the legal arena, ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

So, there you have it. A bold stance from Governor Makinde, one that highlights the importance of defending democratic principles, even when it’s not the easy choice. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how this controversy impacts Nigeria’s political landscape.