Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde described the suspension of democracy in Rivers State as an “illegal act” that must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.
The Governor, who expressed his views in his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency 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.
Governor Makinde noted that the democratic tenets of the country must never be trifled with, regardless of personal feelings and loyalties. He stressed that this is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity, and justice. The Governor added that as the country’s democracy grows and unfolds, Nigerians must be willing to speak up when they see anything that threatens the nation’s development.
Governor Makinde also expressed his support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, which has unanimously decided to challenge President Tinubu’s actions in a court of competent jurisdiction. He emphasized that the party will not fold its hands and watch the democracy built over the past three decades be trampled upon.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been met with widespread criticism, with many Nigerians viewing it as an attack on democracy. Governor Makinde’s condemnation of the declaration is the latest in a series of reactions from prominent Nigerians.
In a related development, the PDP Governors’ Forum has vowed to challenge the declaration in court, describing it as an “unconstitutional and undemocratic” move. The forum has also called on President Tinubu to reverse the declaration and allow democracy to thrive in Rivers State.
As the controversy surrounding the declaration continues to unfold, Nigerians are watching with keen interest to see how the situation will be resolved. One thing is certain, however: Governor Makinde’s condemnation of the declaration has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate.
