The chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party and a former senate president, Adolphus Wabara, has condemned the decision of President Tinubu in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement on Sunday, Wabara insisted that the president violated the fundamental principles of Nigeria’s constitution and called for its immediate reversal.
Wabara, in his statement, said, “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 also 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.
Wabara calls for the immediate reversal of the president’s decision
“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,”- Wabara
“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.
The former senate president also added that state of emergency are declared only in circumstances such as war, insurrection, and other situations that threaten the integrity of the state.
Going further, he also said, “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 unelected 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,” Wabara added.
Wabara also condemned the National Assembly for agreeing with the removal of the governor.
He said, “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.”
