Prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, have urged Nigerians to resist what they describe as a blatant assault on the country’s constitution.
Their outcry follows President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, a move that has sparked nationwide debate.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku condemned the president’s decision, calling it an “unlawful subversion of democracy” and an attempt to impose autocratic federal control over an elected state government.
“This action is not only illegal but a dangerous precedent that undermines the very foundation of our democracy,” Atiku stated. “We call on all Nigerians of good conscience to stand against this unconstitutional assault on our institutions.”
Rivers Political Crisis Sparks National Debate
The political unrest in Rivers State has been brewing for months, culminating in a recent Supreme Court ruling. While the opposition leaders acknowledged the tensions, they insisted that all parties must follow due process rather than resorting to executive overreach.
Despite mounting pressure, Governor Fubara has shown a willingness to abide by the court’s decision, Atiku noted, accusing the federal government of escalating the crisis instead of fostering reconciliation.
Call for National Assembly to Intervene
The opposition bloc is now urging the National Assembly to reject Tinubu’s declaration and restore constitutional order in Rivers State, warning that failure to do so could set a troubling precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
