Why Tinubu Declared Emergency In Rivers: A Closer Look

Response to Critics: Jonathan and Soyinka’s Concerns Addressed

Let me set the stage for you. The Nigerian presidency has stepped up to respond to some pretty vocal criticism from none other than former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. This all stems from President Bola Tinubu's bold move to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of certain elected officials. Now, the critics are weighing in, and the administration is making its case clear.

Naija News broke the story earlier, highlighting how former President Jonathan came out swinging against the suspension of elected officers in Rivers State. He didn’t mince words, calling the actions a direct threat to Nigeria’s standing on the world stage.

Jonathan didn’t just voice his concerns casually. He laid it all out at the Haske Satumari Foundation Colloquium in Abuja over the weekend. There, he aired his disappointment over the abrupt removal of elected officials. He put it plainly, saying, “These actions by key players in both the executive and legislative branches are painting our country in a very bad light.”

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Now, Jonathan’s not just talking about optics. He’s emphasizing the critical roles the executive, legislature, and judiciary play in safeguarding Nigeria’s reputation and attracting investments. He pointed fingers at all three branches, accusing them of misusing their power, which, he argues, played a big role in the Rivers State debacle.

What’s interesting is that Jonathan, who usually keeps quiet to avoid stirring the pot, decided to speak up this time. Why? Because Nigerians, especially those from the Niger Delta, were urging him to step in. They wanted a voice they trust to address the situation head-on. Jonathan explained that while former presidents typically stay out of such controversies, the gravity of the situation demanded his attention.

He also brought up a crucial point about the judiciary. Jonathan criticized the lack of trust in the courts, painting a troubling picture where individuals, not the judicial system, seem to have the power to call the shots. This, he warned, is a dangerous precedent.

Soyinka Weighs In: A Blow to Federalism

Not to be left out, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka added his voice to the conversation. Speaking to The Africa Report, Soyinka voiced his concerns, arguing that the declaration of the state of emergency undermines the very essence of federalism in Nigeria.

Soyinka pointed out that the 1999 constitution, as it stands, gives the president too much power. He urged for a national dialogue to address this imbalance, saying it’s time for Nigerians to rethink how power is distributed. He believes that the way the state of emergency was declared doesn’t align with the federal principles enshrined in our constitution.

Presidency’s Perspective: Lawful and Necessary

The administration, through Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, acknowledged the esteemed status of both Jonathan and Soyinka but was quick to clarify that their views are personal opinions. Ajayi stood firm, asserting that President Tinubu’s actions were fully in line with the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 305, which gives the president the authority to declare a state of emergency.

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Ajayi made a point to emphasize, “Professor Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan are respected statesmen. Like many Nigerians who have shared diverse opinions on President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, these two distinguished Nigerians have also expressed their views. But President Tinubu has a nation to lead, and he exercised his powers under the 1999 Constitution as amended.”

He continued, “President Tinubu has a duty to uphold the unity and integrity of Nigeria. He won’t stand by and let any part of the country or state spiral into chaos. The Supreme Court itself ruled that there’s no functioning government in Rivers State that aligns with the Nigerian Constitution. President Tinubu won’t shirk his sacred responsibility to protect and preserve the nation.”