A South West chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has described last Tuesday’s suspension of democratically elected officials in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu as hasty.
Ajadi, while appealing to the President to temper justice with mercy, expressed concerns that President Tinubu’s action might set a bad precedent, potentially threatening the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
He who stated that he was gravely worried about the purported suspension of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, however, suggested that the President could reduce the suspension to three months to allow the warring factions learn their lessons.
Ajadi, who was the NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 election, argued that the crisis in Rivers State had not escalated beyond what the President could resolve through dialogue between the two factions, also warned that suspending a democratic government through a proclamation could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, Ajadi acknowledged that the President had already taken action but insisted that the decision seemed too hasty and should be reconsidered.
According to him, “The President’s action concerning the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State seems too hasty. A state of emergency should have been the last resort. President Tinubu has not exhausted all available options before making that declaration and I fear for our nascent democracy.
“I know President Tinubu was at the forefront of the struggle for democracy. He suffered, went into exile and endured many personal inconveniences along with others to send the military back to the barracks. He must do more to protect this democracy.
With Peace, Nigeria Can Regain Past Glories — Ajadi
“The crisis between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Sim Fubara has not escalated to the level that warrants a state of emergency. Political disagreements, legislative conflicts or executive-legislative tension do not justify such an extreme measure.
“Most Nigerians believe that if President Tinubu intervenes by calling the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara to order, the crisis will end. If we begin declaring a state of emergency over issues like this, we may soon find no state left with a functioning democratic structure.
“For example, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, the crisis between former Oyo State, Governor Rashidi Ladoja and the Oyo State House of Assembly was more serious than what is currently happening in Rivers State, yet no state of emergency was declared in Oyo.
“My concern is that, President Tinubu should not set a dangerous precedent that future leaders might exploit to remove opposition governors through the back door. I implore the President to do everything within his power to restore democratic governance in Rivers State as soon as possible.
“This current action could lead to voter apathy in future elections. All hands must be on deck to sustain and safeguard our democracy,” he advised.
