By Mercy Aikoye
Opposition lawmaker, Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Ugochinyere described the move as an unconstitutional overreach, arguing that while the President has the power to declare a state of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 constitution, he exceeded his authority by suspending Governor Similayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker also accused President Tinubu of bypassing the National Assembly’s authority, referencing Section 11 of the Constitution, which grants the legislature the power to make laws for a state if its House of Assembly becomes dysfunctional. Ugochinyere questioned the President’s power to appoint an administrator to oversee the state, stating that this position is unknown to law.
Ugochinyere expressed concerns about the rationale behind the emergency declaration, wondering if Rivers State is truly in crisis. He emphasized that while peace in the state is necessary, it must be achieved through constitutional means. The lawmaker criticized President Tinubu for taking unilateral action without considering the root cause of the political tensions.
“The President does not have the power to suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly,” Ugochinyere said. “Where did he get the power to appoint an administrator? That position is unknown to law.” He accused the President of insulting the National Assembly by usurping its constitutional power.
Ugochinyere warned that this decision sets a dangerous precedent, allowing for the suspension of elected officials without due process. He urged true democrats to resist this move, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional principles.
The lawmaker reminded Nigerians that President Tinubu, then in opposition, had criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan’s state of emergency declaration in Borno and Yobe States in 2013. Ugochinyere highlighted the inconsistency in President Tinubu’s current actions.
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked intense debate, with many questioning the constitutionality of the move. The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the issue, with Ugochinyere and other opposition lawmakers pushing for a reversal of the decision.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the crisis in Rivers State. The outcome will have significant implications for the country’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.
