Pat Utomi Slams State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Pat Utomi Blasts National Assembly Over Emergency Declaration

Naija News brings you this update: Former Presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has taken a strong stance against the National Assembly's decision to back President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move has sparked a heated debate across the country, with many questioning the state of Nigeria's democracy.

Let me break it down for you. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly. This decision came in response to the ongoing political crisis in the state, which has been unresolved for far too long. Now, here’s the kicker: despite widespread criticism from political analysts, lawyers, and opposition leaders, the National Assembly gave their unanimous approval on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Utomi's Reaction: Democracy on Life Support

On Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, March 21, 2025, Prof. Utomi didn’t mince words. He stated that the lawmakers had effectively "murdered democracy" in Nigeria. He expressed deep disappointment, saying he can no longer proudly claim that Nigeria operates a true democracy. According to him, the endorsement of emergency rule by the Senate and the House of Representatives is nothing short of an insult to Nigerians.

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Let me quote the professor of political economy here: "Democracy was murdered in Nigeria yesterday. I cannot publicly say I come from a country that operates democracy, it’s not a democracy. Even the manner of it is so disdainful of the sensitivity of the Nigerian people." Utomi went on to say that the National Assembly has consistently insulted Nigerians, and many of its current members were nowhere to be found when people like him were fighting tooth and nail for democracy.

Questioning the Process: A Flawed System

Utomi also took aim at the voting method used by the lawmakers and the claim that there was no dissenting voice during the voice vote. He argued that this method undermines transparency and accountability, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the entire process. According to him, Nigerian leaders are systematically destroying the country’s institutions, and it’s a tragedy that Nigeria has been reduced to a laughing stock on the global stage.

In his view, the state of emergency declaration is not just a political issue but a reflection of a deeper problem: the erosion of democratic principles in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to wake up and demand better from their leaders, emphasizing that the future of the nation depends on the strength of its institutions and the commitment of its citizens to uphold democratic values.

To sum it up, Prof. Utomi is sounding the alarm bells, warning that Nigeria is at a critical juncture. The choices made today will determine the path the nation takes tomorrow. As citizens, it’s our duty to stay informed, engage in meaningful dialogue, and hold our leaders accountable. After all, democracy is not just a system of government; it’s a way of life that requires active participation from all of us.