Reno Omokri, a well-known political commentator and former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Omokri drew a comparison to similar actions taken by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, stating that what was acceptable for Plateau and Ekiti states under Obasanjo should also be acceptable for Rivers State under Tinubu.
Omokri’s comments come amid growing criticisms and concerns surrounding the declaration, particularly in light of ongoing political tensions and insecurity in Rivers State. The decision by President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers has generated considerable debate, but Omokri, in his defense of the action, cited historical precedents set by former President Obasanjo.
The former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, declared states of emergency in Plateau and Ekiti states in 2004 and 2006, respectively. These declarations were made in response to rising security concerns, including political violence and communal clashes that were destabilizing the states. Omokri pointed out that, just like Tinubu’s recent decision, there was little opposition to these actions back then, with no significant outcry from the political leaders in government at the time.
Omokri emphasized that all major candidates who contested the 2003 presidential elections were either governors or held other high positions in government during Obasanjo’s tenure. Despite this, there was no major resistance when states of emergency were declared in Plateau and Ekiti. According to Omokri, this absence of opposition at the time sets a precedent that supports Tinubu’s decision to act in the same manner in Rivers State.
“Every single Presidential candidate in the 2003 election was in government then, either as governors or in other high positions. None of them opposed President Obasanjo then. So why are they complaining when President Tinubu does the same thing in Rivers State?” Omokri asked in a statement on social media.
Omokri also pointed out that unlike the situations in Plateau and Ekiti, where there were no bombings, Rivers State had recently experienced two bomb blasts within 24 hours, underlining the severity of the security challenges in the state. According to reports, the bombings were a clear indication of escalating violence, making it necessary for the government to take action to restore law and order.
“During Obasanjo’s time, when states of emergency were declared in Plateau and Ekiti, there were no bombing incidents. But in Rivers State, we have seen two bomb blasts in less than twenty-four hours. There is more than enough justification for a state of emergency in Rivers, and Nigerians should support President Tinubu in maintaining law and order in the country,” Omokri said.
He highlighted that the declaration of an emergency is not only a legitimate response to the ongoing violence and instability but also a necessary step to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
In his statement, Omokri firmly argued that “what was sauce for the goose in Plateau and Ekiti states under Obasanjo should be good for the gander in Rivers State under President Tinubu.” He was referring to the notion that if a state of emergency was justified in Plateau and Ekiti for security reasons, then it should also be considered justifiable in Rivers State, given the rising violence and political unrest.
Omokri’s comment echoed a broader sentiment in political circles, where some argue that there is a double standard in the way state of emergency declarations are perceived, based on which administration is in power. According to Omokri, the actions taken by President Tinubu are in line with constitutional duties and are intended to safeguard national security, which is one of the primary responsibilities of any government.
The Constitution of Nigeria allows the president to declare a state of emergency in situations where there is a breakdown of law and order, or when the security of the state is under threat. Under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the president is empowered to declare a state of emergency in any state or region where such actions are necessary to restore peace and stability. This could be the result of a severe breakdown in law and order, widespread violence, or any other situation that threatens national security.
President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State falls within the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, as security agencies and authorities in the state have raised alarms over the growing instability. Although the declaration has faced criticism from some political figures and citizens, it is within the president’s powers to make such decisions in the interest of national security.
While Omokri has expressed strong support for the president’s action, there has been a range of reactions to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Some political analysts and opposition figures have criticized the move as an overreach, questioning whether it is truly necessary or if it is being used for political purposes. They argue that such a drastic step may undermine the democratic process and further destabilize the state.
On the other hand, supporters of the decision argue that the president is merely fulfilling his constitutional duty to protect Nigerian citizens from violence and unrest. The bombings and widespread insecurity in Rivers State, they contend, have made it impossible for the state to function effectively, and extraordinary measures are needed to restore order.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers is just the beginning of what will likely be a tense period for the state. The federal government has promised to deploy additional security forces to stabilize the region, but the political and social implications of the decision are still unclear. It remains to be seen whether the move will lead to lasting peace in the state or whether it will exacerbate the existing tensions.
In the meantime, Omokri and other supporters of the president’s decision have urged Nigerians to remain united behind the government’s efforts to maintain law and order. According to Omokri, “The primary responsibility of any government is to protect the lives of its citizens, and that is exactly what President Tinubu is doing by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.”
