The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked intense debate, with some praising the move as necessary for maintaining law and order, while others decry it as a blatant power grab.
Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has applauded Tinubu’s decision, insisting that the emergency rule— which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly—was a bold and necessary step to prevent a complete breakdown of civil order.
According to Oyintiloye, the president’s intervention showcases his “love for lives and properties of Rivers residents” and underscores his commitment to keeping Nigeria stable. However, the move has triggered widespread criticism, with opponents labeling it a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy.
Many political analysts argue that suspending a democratically elected governor and the entire legislature is a clear overreach, raising concerns about the Tinubu administration’s willingness to sideline elected officials under the guise of restoring order. Detractors claim that the crisis in Rivers State was politically orchestrated, and the emergency rule is a tool to impose federal control over the oil-rich state.
As the debate intensifies, questions remain: Is Tinubu’s action truly about maintaining stability, or is this a calculated political maneuver to consolidate power?
