The ongoing political upheaval in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn, drawing sharp criticism from prominent Nigerian politician Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. In a scathing rebuke, the former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called out the National Assembly for what he describes as its failure to uphold democratic principles. Kwankwaso’s comments, sparked by President Bola Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, have reignited debates about the balance of power, the role of the legislature, and the future of democracy in Nigeria as of March 22, 2025.
Background of the Rivers State Crisis
Rivers State, a key oil-producing region in Nigeria, has been embroiled in a prolonged political conflict that pits Governor Siminalayi Fubara against factions loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crisis escalated when President Tinubu intervened on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator of the state for a six-month period, citing the need to restore law and order amid rising instability.
Tinubu justified his actions by invoking Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for a state of emergency in cases of severe unrest or breakdown of governance. However, the move has been met with widespread condemnation from political figures, legal experts, and civil society groups, who argue that it oversteps constitutional boundaries and threatens Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Kwankwaso’s Critique of the National Assembly
In a strongly worded statement released on March 20, 2025, Kwankwaso expressed dismay at the National Assembly’s swift endorsement of Tinubu’s proclamation. On March 19, both the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the president’s decision through voice votes—a process Kwankwaso and other critics have slammed as lacking transparency and rigor. For Kwankwaso, this action exemplifies the 10th National Assembly’s transformation into what he calls a “rubber stamp” legislature, failing to serve as a check on executive power.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive accountable, not to simply play to its tune,” Kwankwaso asserted. “It is appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more of a rubber stamp than any of its predecessors.” He argued that the National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule undermines Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic progress, drawing parallels to the political missteps of the early 1990s that led to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Kwankwaso’s critique goes beyond procedural concerns. He warned that the suspension of elected officials and the appointment of a military figure to govern Rivers State sets a dangerous precedent. “For a politician who prides himself as a defender of democracy, President Tinubu should know better than to bring the military closer to power,” he said, referencing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s efforts to keep the military confined to the barracks after Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999.
Constitutional and Democratic Concerns
At the heart of Kwankwaso’s argument is the belief that the political situation in Rivers State does not justify such an extreme measure. “The action constitutes an unconstitutional overreach, and if unchecked, it could foster a culture of impunity,” he stated. Legal scholars have echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Section 305(1) requires a clear and present danger—such as widespread violence or a total collapse of governance—before a state of emergency can be declared. Critics argue that the Rivers crisis, while serious, has not reached this threshold.
Moreover, the suspension of an elected governor and lawmakers raises questions about the separation of powers and the rights of citizens to choose their representatives. Kwankwaso cautioned that Tinubu’s move could embolden the federal government to interfere in opposition-led states, threatening Nigeria’s federal structure. “This proclamation has sent people in opposition-led states into disarray,” he noted, highlighting the potential for political targeting.
The Role of the Judiciary
In his statement, Kwankwaso also called on the judiciary to act as a bulwark against executive overreach. “Our judiciary has the critical duty of maintaining balance by ensuring fairness in conflicts,” he said. “The custodians of the law in Nigeria must wake up to their responsibility by delivering judgments devoid of external influence.” This appeal comes at a time when the courts are already grappling with multiple lawsuits related to the Rivers crisis, including challenges to the legitimacy of the state’s House of Assembly factions.
Public and Political Reactions
Kwankwaso is not alone in his condemnation. Other prominent figures, such as political economist Pat Utomi, have described the National Assembly’s actions as a “murder of democracy.” Civil society organizations and opposition parties have also voiced alarm, accusing Tinubu of authoritarian tendencies. On social media platforms like X, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions, with some decrying the emergency rule as a power grab and others arguing that drastic measures were necessary to stabilize Rivers State.
The controversy has further deepened the divide between Tinubu’s administration and its critics, with implications for the 2027 general elections. As a former presidential candidate and a key opposition leader, Kwankwaso’s outspoken stance positions him as a vocal challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
The Rivers State crisis and the ensuing debate over the National Assembly’s role underscore broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. After 26 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, the country faces persistent challenges, including political instability, electoral disputes, and tensions between federal and state authorities. Kwankwaso’s warning—that unchecked executive actions could erode democratic gains—resonates with those who fear a return to the instability of Nigeria’s past.
For now, the situation in Rivers State remains fluid. Vice Admiral Ibas has assumed control, but his tenure is likely to face legal and political challenges. Meanwhile, Governor Fubara and his supporters have vowed to resist what they call an illegal takeover, setting the stage for a protracted showdown.
Conclusion
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s blistering critique of the National Assembly reflects a growing unease about the direction of Nigeria’s political landscape. By accusing lawmakers of abandoning their constitutional duty, he has brought renewed attention to the delicate balance of power in a democracy. As the Rivers crisis unfolds, all eyes will be on the judiciary, the legislature, and the Tinubu administration to see whether Nigeria can navigate this turbulent chapter without compromising its democratic ideals. For those searching for updates on the Rivers State political crisis or Kwankwaso’s latest statements, this saga is far from over.
Post a Comment
0Comments