Makinde Blasts Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers, Calls It ‘Illegal Power Grab

 

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional move that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

 

In his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance (Issue 110), published on Thursday, Makinde warned that suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months was a dangerous precedent that must be resisted by all Nigerians.

 

“I stand today to say that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose,” Makinde declared.

 

Emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles over personal loyalties, he urged Nigerians to reject any form of political authoritarianism.

 

His criticism comes as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, in an emergency meeting, vowed to challenge Tinubu’s decision in court. Makinde praised the party’s stance, warning that Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy was under threat.

 

“We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we have built for almost three decades be trampled upon,” he stated.

 

The controversy surrounding Tinubu’s decision has deepened political divisions, with many questioning whether the move is about security or a strategic power play to control Rivers State.