The African Action Congress has condemned President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an assault on democracy and a hypocritical act against previous criticisms of emergency rules. The party warns that this move threatens the constitutional order and urges Nigerians to resist any form of military-style governance.
The African Action Congress (AAC) has vehemently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, characterizing it as an assault on democracy and constitutional governance. The party accused the president of attempting to undermine democratic principles in Nigeria, claiming this act represents a coup against the populace. The AAC’s National Publicity Secretary, Femi Adeyeye, articulated these concerns in a statement, branding Tinubu’s actions as cowardly and unpresidential.
In their statement, the AAC remarked, “The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the Tinubu regime has not come as a shock to those who are politically alert, as this has been part of their grand plot to bury democracy…” This action is seen as a blatant disregard for the rule of law, particularly as the judiciary had already addressed the issues in Rivers State, which Tinubu’s decision undermines.
The AAC further accused the president of hypocrisy, recalling his criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s similar actions in 2013, suggesting Tinubu’s inconsistency undermines his credibility. They remarked, “Nigerians can also recall that the same Tinubu wrote a lengthy epistle in 2013 blasting former President Goodluck Jonathan… The hypocrisy of Tinubu stinks.”
The opposition party expressed concerns that Tinubu’s declaration reflects a broader trend of dictatorial governance, especially noting potential views from regional neighbors like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso on this development. “We are worried that the ‘Boy Scouts’ in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso would be having a good laugh… as they read that the spineless ECOWAS Chair has declared military rule in one of the most important states in Nigeria,” they stated.
The AAC also admonished Nigerian citizens to be vigilant against any attempt by Tinubu to impose military-style governance. They declared, “We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist frontally every form of military rule … by the Tinubu regime.”
Tinubu’s emergency declaration suspension involves Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator. Tinubu justified this drastic measure by referencing security concerns and citing Fubara’s failure to restore order in the state following past interventions and political instability.
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State has roots in a contentious power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which was exacerbated by the defection of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike to the All Progressives Congress, igniting legal disputes over control and resources. The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has further voiced dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s involvement in these matters, alleging bias regarding their rulings, further complicating the already tense situation.
In conclusion, the African Action Congress has firmly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, interpreting it as a direct threat to democracy and the constitutional order in Nigeria. The opposition party denounces the action as hypocritical and cowardly, urging citizens to remain vigilant against potential authoritarian governance. The context, rooted in a political feud between Fubara and Wike, only intensifies the existing crisis, raising serious concerns about the future of governance in Nigeria.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
