Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders, have called on the National Assembly to vehemently oppose President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while speaking on behalf of the opposition leaders at an ongoing press briefing at Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, accused Tinubu of favouritism and the illegal use of Section 305 regarding the state of emergency.
He said, “We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.
“We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval.
“The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”
News Band reported that Rivers State has been enmeshed in political instability for nearly two years.
The ongoing crisis in the State stems from a power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
As a result, the President declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast.
The prolonged conflict has disrupted governance, with the state’s annual Appropriation Bill still pending.
Recent explosions at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community and a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area have further heightened tensions.
In his national address, Tinubu highlighted the security threats posed by the militant activities and expressed concern over the state’s deteriorating stability.
The declaration of the state of emergency, according to Tinubu, was necessary to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
As part of the measures to restore order, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas retd, was immediately appointed as the sole administrator of the state.
Meanwhile, other opposition leaders present at the ongoing press conference include Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who is represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and Convenor of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.
Among those whose apologies were announced are former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.
