Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has criticized the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Tinubu’s surprise announcement on Tuesday has sparked widespread debate and division, and two days later, both the Senate and House of Representatives approved the president’s action. Kwankwaso, however, views this approval as a threat to the country’s democracy.
In a statement posted on his X handle late Thursday, Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, expressed his disappointment, saying, “The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive accountable and not simply act in its favor. It is appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more of a rubberstamp than any of its predecessors.”
He also condemned the National Assembly’s decision to ratify the president’s proclamation without following proper procedures. “More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality. The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency,” Kwankwaso stated.
Kwankwaso argued that the swift approval of the state of emergency, which alters the democratic structure in Rivers State, undermines the country’s democracy.
While President Tinubu justified the state of emergency by citing constitutional provisions and the need to prevent a breakdown of law and order in Rivers, following the political crisis in the state, Kwankwaso remains opposed to the move. Tinubu’s action led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, with retired naval officer Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
Kwankwaso has joined a growing list of prominent Nigerians condemning the move, labeling it unconstitutional and warning that, as a staunch advocate of democracy, the president’s decision is “hugely dangerous.”
