A former governor of Kano State Rabiu Kwankwaso has criticised the National Assembly for endorsing the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by president Bola Tinubu.
Recall that Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State came as a surprise to many and has continued to split opinions since the declaration on Tuesday.
But two days after the move, both the Senate and House of Representatives endorsed the president’s action, a development Kwankwaso said spells doom for the country’s democracy.
Mr Kwankwaso, who stated this in a statement issued on Thursday, described members of the 10th Assembly as rubber stamps of the executive.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more of a rubber stamp than any of its predecessors.
“More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality.
“The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency.
“The decision by the legislators to speedily discuss and decide on a state of emergency that alters the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State undermines our democracy.”
While accusing the president of setting a dangerous precedent, Mr Kwankwaso added, “At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it.
“Moreover, for a politician that prides himself as a consistent advocate and defender of democracy in our country, the decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in the 26 years of democratic journey.
“Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country.”
