The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has denounced President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the dismissal of its elected officials. They argue the actions are unconstitutional and reflect political intolerance, potentially leading Nigeria toward a one-party state. The SMBLF urges the National Assembly to countermand this decision to protect democracy.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has condemned the actions of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the dismissal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. In their statement, the leaders expressed concerns over the unconstitutionality of such decisions, as articulated by Oladipo Olaitan of Afenifere, Bitrus Pogu from the Middle Belt Leaders Forum, John Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Godknows Igali from the Pan Niger-Delta Forum.
The SMBLF labeled President Tinubu’s actions as “unfortunate,” criticizing the termination of a democratically elected government based on unsubstantiated claims of militant threats. They asserted that this reflects a dangerous trend of political intolerance in Nigeria and warns that these actions may lead to a one-party state.
Citing the Nigerian Constitution, the SMBLF argued that the Federal Government lacks authority to assume control over any state. They also urged citizens of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to refrain from violence in response to the federal intervention, stating that the grounds for the government’s takeover were not only constitutionally unfounded but also included flawed assertions against the Governor and his Deputy.
The forum condemned the dissolution of the State House of Assembly and accused the President of attempting to install a sole administrator, thereby reverting authority over Rivers State back to its former governor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The SMBLF emphasized that federal intervention is only permissible under certain conditions and does not include removing elected officials.
Moreover, the group reassured that the dysfunction within the Rivers State House of Assembly, partly due to members deflecting to the President’s party, does not equate to a justification for federal takeovers. The SMBLF cited historical parallels, notably pointing out that President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2013 emergency declarations in three states did not involve the dissolution of relevant democratic structures.
The SMBLF criticized the rationale behind holding Governor Fubara accountable for security issues typically managed by federal agencies. They emphasized that the President’s dismissal of the elected administration and subsequent appointment of a military administrator undermines democracy, affecting governance in Rivers State.
In closing, the SMBLF urged the National Assembly to act against what they deemed a “despotic and ominous” decision, echoing calls to protect democratic principles in light of recent actions reminiscent of Nigeria’s troubled political history.
In summary, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has firmly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency and dismiss the elected officials in Rivers State, citing constitutional concerns. They warned against the growing trend of political intolerance and the potential shift towards a one-party state. The Forum has called upon the National Assembly to intervene appropriately to uphold democratic governance.
Original Source: punchng.com
