Former governor and political figure Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has raised strong objections to the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling the decision unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Kwankwaso, who has been closely following the developments in Rivers, expressed his concerns in a statement that highlights the potential dangers of disregarding constitutional processes and democratic principles.
The controversial move came after a series of political events that led to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara, his Deputy, and all elected state legislators. President Tinubu’s decision, announced in the past few days, has sparked heated debates across Nigeria, with critics accusing the president of overstepping his constitutional bounds and undermining democratic governance.
Kwankwaso’s statement, which drew on his own experience in Nigerian politics, criticized the actions of both the executive and legislative branches of the government, calling them a “recipe for anarchy” and warning that such decisions could destabilize the country’s political system. The former governor, who served as a member of the National Assembly in the early 1990s, recalled his own involvement in political events during the period leading to the annulment of the 1993 elections. Reflecting on those turbulent times, Kwankwaso emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and democratic norms, warning that current actions could lead to political turmoil similar to that which Nigeria experienced in the past.
At the heart of Kwankwaso’s criticism is the unilateral suspension of the elected officials in Rivers State. According to the statement, the decision made by President Tinubu without consulting the relevant legislative bodies or adhering to proper constitutional procedures is a serious misstep. Kwankwaso pointed out that while the executive branch has the power to take certain actions, it must do so within the framework of the law. He condemned the president’s move as an overreach of executive power that undermines the principle of separation of powers.
“I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara, his Deputy, and all elected state legislators from office,” Kwankwaso stated. “This decision not only disregards the Constitution, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.”
Kwankwaso also expressed concern over the role of the National Assembly in ratifying the state of emergency proclamation. He accused both chambers of the legislature of failing in their duty to act as a check on executive power. Instead of standing up for the rights of the people and following proper procedures, Kwankwaso said that the legislature had acted like a rubber stamp, rushing to approve the emergency measure without proper debate or transparency.
“The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance,” he said. “The decision to use a voice vote in passing such a critical measure is inconsistent with proper procedures and transparency. This undermines our democracy.”
Kwankwaso also turned his attention to the judiciary, stressing the critical role that the courts must play in ensuring fairness and justice in the face of political crises. He urged the judiciary to exercise its powers impartially, free from external influence, and to ensure that the balance of power between the executive, legislature, and judiciary remains intact.
“The judiciary has an important role to play in balancing the powers of the different arms of government,” Kwankwaso explained. “I believe that the custodians of the law in Nigeria must wake up to their responsibility of ensuring justice and fairness in this matter.”
The former governor emphasized that the current political environment in Rivers State does not justify the drastic actions taken by the president, which he described as a misinterpretation of the Constitution. He argued that the political unrest in Rivers State should not be used as an excuse to justify the suspension of duly elected officials and the imposition of a military presence in the state’s leadership.
One of the most alarming aspects of the state of emergency declaration for Kwankwaso is the involvement of the military in the governance of Rivers State. He warned that bringing the military closer to political power would undermine the progress Nigeria has made in the 26 years since the country’s return to democracy.
“For a politician who prides himself on being a consistent advocate of democracy, the decision to bring the military into a position of leadership is dangerous,” Kwankwaso said. “President Tinubu should know better than to drag the military closer to power, especially after the efforts of President Olusegun Obasanjo to confine them to their barracks.”
Kwankwaso’s statement reflects growing concerns that military involvement in Nigerian politics could reverse the gains made since the return to civilian rule in 1999. The presence of the military in the political sphere is seen by many as a step backward, as it could lead to a return to military rule, which has long been seen as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Kwankwaso expressed particular concern about the broader implications of the state of emergency declaration for other states in Nigeria. He argued that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for how the federal government might handle states governed by opposition parties. If the federal government can suspend elected officials in one state without due process, Kwankwaso warned, it could create a pattern of political manipulation that destabilizes the country.
“This action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” Kwankwaso said. “The federal government must not be allowed to use such sweeping powers without accountability.”