Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to take a stand in defending democracy by resisting the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Abubakar emphasized that the responsibility to reject what he termed a “brazen assault” on the elected government in Rivers does not rest solely on opposition parties but on all Nigerians.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political crisis. As part of the action, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state house of assembly were suspended, with a sole administrator appointed to oversee the state.
Abubakar demanded that the emergency rule be reversed immediately and that the suspended officials be reinstated.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly of Rivers State,” he stated.
“We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”
“We urge the judiciary to act swiftly in striking down this proclamation, as it sets a dangerous precedent that could be used to arbitrarily remove any Governor in the future.”
“We call on all civil society organisations, political groups, and Nigerians of good conscience to stand firm in the defence of this democracy that we have all toiled to build. Rivers State is not a conquered territory, and Nigeria is not a dictatorship requiring the replacement of an ELECTED GOVERNOR with a MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR.”
Abubakar pointed out that in previous states of emergency declared in regions affected by insurgency and terrorism, elected governors were not removed, making this decision by Tinubu unprecedented.
“The historical unrest in the Niger Delta should not be forgotten so soon. Past administrations had made great efforts and sacrifices to restore peace and stability to the Niger Delta, which is critical to the economic health and stability of Nigeria itself. This federal government should not manufacture political crises that could disrupt the fragile stability and return the country to the past that we have all prayed to leave behind for good.”
“We must never allow personal political interests and the desire to hold on to power at all costs to throw the country into unavoidable chaos through brazen subversion of the principles of federalism, democracy, and constitutional governance. This is not just about Rivers State—it is about the future of Nigeria’s democracy.”
Among those present at the press briefing were Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), and Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo, among others.
