Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has strongly criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling it an “illegal act” that should be opposed by all Nigerians who care about democracy.
In a statement issued through his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, Makinde emphasized that the suspension of the state’s executive and legislative branches was unconstitutional and a direct threat to democratic values.
“I stand today to say that the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose,” he said.
Makinde also voiced strong support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which held an emergency meeting to challenge President Tinubu’s actions in court.
“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties,” he added, underlining the importance of standing up for justice and fairness in the nation’s democracy.
The state of emergency was declared on Tuesday, with President Tinubu suspending Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s legislature for six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd) was appointed as the Sole Administrator for the state.