- Says decision ‘a grave assault on democracy’
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Former President of the Nigerian Senate and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has faulted the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Wabara insisted that the President’s actions violated the fundamental principles of Nigeria’s Constitution and demanded an immediate reversal of what he called an anti-people decision.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Wabara, described the decision as unconstitutional and a grave assault on democracy, saying; “This action is a gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the foundational legal document that guarantees the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process, and a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.
“It is an attack on the very essence of our Republic. It’s an action that deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.
“In my capacity as the Chairman of BoT of our great party, the PDP; and a former Senate President, I, Senator Adolphus Wabara, call for the reversal of this assault on our democracy.
“It’s sad and disheartening that Mr President ignored my earlier advice to ignore those calling for emergency rule in Rivers State,” he said.
Maintaining that the proclamation reminded Nigerians of the era of military dictatorship in the country, the former Senate President said; “President Bola Tinubu’s action only reminded Nigerians of the better-forgotten era of military dictatorship.
“The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic rights in electing their leaders, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly.
“These leaders were not appointed by the President or any other authority, but were chosen by the people to represent their interests,” he added.
He also argued that the President could only declare a state of emergency in specific circumstances such as war, insurrection, or other situations that threatened the integrity of the nation, adding that the situation in Rivers did not meet the constitutional criteria for such a declaration.
“The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials.
“Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.
“The President’s decision to replace democratically elected officials with an un-elected Sole Administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty.
“It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions and the persistence of authoritarian tendencies by the President.”
While slamming the National Assembly, which he insists must not be seen as a ‘rubber stamp’, Senator Wabara advised that; “They should engage Mr President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage the situation and must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law”.
