Atiku Urges Rejection Of State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Atiku Abubakar Takes a Stand Against Emergency Declaration in Rivers

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is making waves once again, this time urging the National Assembly, judiciary, and the Nigerian people to reject President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a bold statement, Atiku has accused Tinubu of acting out of a thirst for power rather than genuine security concerns. The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Power Play or Security Measure?

According to a report by Naija News, Atiku argued during a world press conference in Abuja that the decision to suspend the elected officials was not driven by any real threat to public safety. Instead, he believes it was a calculated move by President Tinubu to consolidate power. Joining Atiku in this press conference were notable political figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi. Together, they voiced their concerns about the implications of such a move on Nigeria's democratic process.

A Call to Action for Nigeria's Institutions

The group, led by Atiku, strongly condemned the state of emergency and demanded immediate action. They urged President Tinubu to revoke the proclamation, reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State. "We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval," they stated. The message was clear: the National Assembly must not be used as a tool to legitimize unconstitutional power grabs.

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Judiciary and Civil Society: Guardians of Democracy

Atiku and his colleagues also called on the judiciary to act swiftly and strike down the proclamation. They emphasized that allowing such a precedent to stand could lead to the arbitrary removal of any governor in the future, undermining the democratic principles Nigeria has worked so hard to establish. Furthermore, they appealed to all civil society organizations, political groups, and concerned Nigerians to unite in defense of their democracy. "Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship," they passionately declared.

This situation underscores the ongoing struggle for balance and accountability in Nigeria's political landscape. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the eyes of the world remain fixed on how its institutions will respond. Will they protect the democracy that Nigerians have fought so hard to build, or will they succumb to the allure of unchecked power? The next steps taken by the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the people will be pivotal in shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.