Katsina Times
Opposition Leaders Urge Lawmakers to Reject Tinubu’s State of Emergency Request in Rivers
Prominent Nigerian opposition figures have called on the National Assembly to reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the governor and state lawmakers.
Speaking at a special press conference, the opposition leaders, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused President Tinubu of authoritarianism and attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku criticized the president’s request, describing it as unconstitutional and a blatant disregard for democratic principles. He argued that suspending duly elected representatives contradicts both the country’s legal framework and a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The former vice president urged the National Assembly to act in the country’s best interest by rejecting the proposal, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law. He also called on the judiciary to remain independent and to declare Tinubu’s move unlawful.
The press conference was attended by key opposition figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and Labour Party’s Inusa Tanko. However, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and a former APC chairman were unable to attend due to other engagements.
