‘It Undermines Democracy’
As backlash intensifies over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has condemned the National Assembly’s approval of the controversial move, calling it a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement posted Thursday night on his official X handle, Kwankwaso—who contested the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—described the legislature’s action as rubber-stamp politics at its worst, warning that it threatens Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic gains.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune,” Kwankwaso said. “It is appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors.”
Kwankwaso Faults ‘Voice Vote’, Says It Lacks Transparency
The former defense minister questioned the legitimacy of the National Assembly’s voice vote approval, insisting that the Constitution demands more transparent procedures for such weighty national matters.
“The decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency,” he argued.
He warned that the swift endorsement by both chambers—just two days after Tinubu’s announcement—violates democratic norms, adding salt to an already festering constitutional injury.
Tinubu’s Move: A ‘Recipe for Anarchy’?
President Tinubu had justified the emergency declaration as a necessary step to curb growing political instability in Rivers State. On Tuesday, he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, replacing the state government with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as sole administrator.
Kwankwaso, however, sees it differently:
“To suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional but also a recipe for anarchy,” he warned. “This move disregards the highest public office in the state.”
Kwankwaso to Tinubu: Don’t Bring Military Closer to Power
Kwankwaso’s criticism extended to the military’s involvement in the state’s leadership. He cautioned that President Tinubu—who often portrays himself as a champion of democracy—should know better than to hand state control to a retired military officer.
“The decision to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in 26 years of democratic journey,” Kwankwaso said.
“President Obasanjo confined the military to their barracks. Tinubu should not reverse that legacy.”
What’s at Stake?
This reaction adds to the growing outcry from civil society, opposition parties, and legal experts questioning both the legality and morality of the emergency rule in Rivers State. The clash raises urgent questions:
📌 Has Nigeria crossed a line in democratic governance?
📌 Will more states face similar takeovers if political unrest arises?
📌 Is this the return of a centralized executive authority under the guise of order?