It’s sad and disheartening that Mr President ignored my earlier advice to ignore those calling for emergency rule in Rivers State – Waraba
Adolphus Wabara, former president of the Senate and the chairman of the board of trustees of the People’s Democratic Party, expressed his disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Rivers State was placed under a state of emergency by President Tinubu on March 18th, who also suspended governor Fubara and other elected officials for six months.
In a statement that was issued on Sunday, Wabara stated that Tinubu’s actions were in violation of the fundamental principles that are outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution and demanded that they be reversed immediately.
The statement reads, “This action is a gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the foundational legal document that guarantees the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process, and a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.
“It is an attack on the very essence of our Republic. It’s an action that deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.
“In my capacity as the Chairman of BoT of our great party, the PDP; and a former Senate President, I, Senator Adolphus Wabara, call for the reversal of this assault on our democracy.
“It’s sad and disheartening that Mr President ignored my earlier advice to ignore those calling for emergency rule in Rivers State.
“President Bola Tinubu’s action only reminded Nigerians of the better-forgotten era of military dictatorship.
“The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic rights in electing their leaders, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly.
“These leaders were not appointed by the President or any other authority, but were chosen by the people to represent their interests.
“The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials.
“Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.
“The President’s decision to replace democratically elected officials with an un-elected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty.
“It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions and the persistence of authoritarian tendencies by the President.”