Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna state governor, said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials in Rivers state is “wanton aggression against democratic tenets and the rule of law”.
El-Rufai acknowledged the need for urgent action to address security challenges in Rivers, but argued that declaring a state of emergency should not lead to the dismantling of democratic structures.
Declaring the emergency in a live broadcast on March 18, Tinubu announced the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers; Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers assembly, for six months.
The former minister urged Tinubu to reconsider his decision and adhere to constitutional principles.
He warned against setting a precedent that could undermine democracy and appealed to patriots to speak out.
“It is my view that Mr. President should review this decision and return to the path of constitutionalism and the rule of law,” El-Rufai wrote on X.
“As an opposition figure, Senator Bola Tinubu had made his voice heard against the decision of then President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the North-East, even when that decision did not extend to the suspension of elected officials and institutions.
“A similar reconsideration is warranted in this case to contain the damage done to the people of Rivers State, and restore the Federal Government to compliance with the Constitution.
“Let us not keep silent while the slippery slope of replicating the events of emergency rule in the old Western Region in 1962 unfold before our very eyes.
“I appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to join in calling an end to this gross violation of the Constitution and disrespect for the rule of law.”
