The AAC has vehemently opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, framing it as an attack on democracy. They claim it part of a deliberate effort to undo constitutional rule, labeling his actions cowardly and hypocritical. Criticism extends to the undermining of judicial authority and an outcry for vigilance among citizens against military-style governance under Tinubu’s administration.
The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as detrimental to democracy and as a coup against the Nigerian populace. The party’s criticism highlights a perceived intentional erosion of constitutional governance by the Tinubu administration.
Femi Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of AAC, emphasized this declaration as a cowardly act, unworthy of presidential dignity, and an affront to the rule of law. The opposition party contends that Tinubu’s approach undermines democratic principles and exacerbates governance in Rivers State, suggesting a broader agenda against constitutional democracy.
Further criticisms arose regarding the status of the judiciary, which the AAC claims has been diminished by the President’s actions. They argue that the legal system had sufficiently addressed the issues in Rivers State and that Tinubu’s emergency declaration signals a lack of respect for the rule of law and promotes a state of anarchy.
AAC also pointed out Tinubu’s previous condemnation of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s similar actions in 2013, labeling Tinubu’s current stance as hypocritical and cowardly. The party cautioned that his actions might be perceived by neighboring countries in West Africa as indicative of dictatorial tendencies.
The party also expressed its condemnation of the political turmoil currently plaguing Rivers State, attributing blame to both Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for escalating the crisis. They issued a call for citizens to remain alert against the imposition of military rule under the guise of governance methods purported by Tinubu.
The state of emergency was enacted following Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected officials from the Rivers State Assembly. Tinubu cited security concerns and public disorder as justifications for this drastic measure. The political landscape in Rivers State is marked by intense rivalry between Fubara and Wike, further complicated by recent defections of lawmakers, prompting legal disputes over legislative control.
On the day of the declaration, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) raised concerns about perceived bias by the Supreme Court concerning recent rulings that affect the political crisis, highlighting the complexities of governance in the state.
The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has attracted severe criticism from the AAC, which deems it as an affront to democracy and a dangerous precedent. The opposition party has accused Tinubu of hypocrisy, highlighting his previous critiques of emergency declarations. Furthermore, they assert that such actions could incite perceptions of dictatorial governance from regional observers. It underscores the ongoing political complexities in Rivers State and the broader implications for constitutional governance in Nigeria.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
