Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. He believes this decision is dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy and could set a bad example for the future.
Kwankwaso expressed concern over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state lawmakers. He described it as an abuse of executive power, arguing that the federal government should not interfere in state affairs to this extent.
“I have been following the situation in Rivers State, and I initially stayed silent to allow the authorities to handle it properly,” he said.
However, he now believes that Tinubu’s actions go against the Nigerian Constitution and weaken democracy.
Kwankwaso also criticized the National Assembly for approving the decision without proper debate. He accused lawmakers of acting as a “rubber stamp” for the executive, instead of holding the president accountable.
“The National Assembly should check the power of the president, not always support his decisions without question,” he said.
He also questioned why lawmakers used a voice vote for such an important issue, saying it lacked transparency.
Kwankwaso warned that Tinubu’s decision could be used to target opposition-led states in the future. He believes this kind of interference is dangerous for Nigeria’s political system and could lead to more federal control over state governments.
“This action has made opposition-led states uneasy. It shows that the federal government can take control of any state that does not agree with it,” he stated.
Another major concern for Kwankwaso is the involvement of the military in the situation. He reminded Tinubu that Nigeria has worked hard to keep the military out of politics since the return to democracy in 1999.
“For a leader who calls himself a defender of democracy, using the military in governance is a risky move,” Kwankwaso said. He also recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo kept the military away from politics and warned that reversing this trend could have serious consequences.
Kwankwaso believes that the crisis in Rivers State does not require such extreme measures. He urged Tinubu to rethink his decision, saying it goes against the Nigerian Constitution and could lead to abuse of power in the future.
“I do not think the political situation in Rivers justifies this drastic action. If this kind of decision is not challenged, it could encourage more unconstitutional actions in the future,” he concluded.
Kwankwaso’s comments highlight growing concerns about democracy, governance, and federal interference in Nigeria’s political system. His warning serves as a reminder of the need to protect democratic principles and prevent excessive executive control.
