The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has strongly condemned the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as unconstitutional and a dangerous political move.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, criticized the decision, arguing that the situation in Rivers State had not deteriorated to the level that warranted emergency rule.
He asserted that the move appeared to be politically motivated rather than a necessary intervention.
“The presidential fiat invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution is arbitrary, particularly regarding the conditions required before such a declaration.
“This sets a dangerous precedent and can only be interpreted as an absurd political manipulation by the Federal Government,”Johnson said.
He questioned the urgency behind Tinubu’s decision, suggesting that it contradicted the president’s earlier statements on upholding the rule of law.
Johnson also speculated that the move could be tied to the ruling All Progressives Congress’s (APC) political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Why the rush to proclaim a State of Emergency without meeting the legal requirements? Hasn’t this rash action shown us that the president may lack the necessary understanding and skills to govern a complex country like Nigeria?” he asked.
The NNPP also accused Tinubu of being one-sided in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, rather than acting as a neutral leader seeking resolution.
The party compared the situation to the crisis in Kano State last year, where it claimed that some forces attempted to push for emergency rule during the Emirate tussle. It credited the maturity of Governor Abba Yusuf and the people of Kano for preventing a similar outcome.
Beyond the political implications, the NNPP warned that the State of Emergency could have severe economic consequences, particularly in the Niger Delta.
The party expressed concern that the decision might trigger unrest in the region, which could disrupt oil production and negatively impact the national economy.
“Now the challenge is how to prevent an implosion in the Niger Delta over this matter.
“Are we already seeing signs of unrest with recent incidents in Rivers State? What impact will this have on oil production, which remains Nigeria’s economic mainstay?”the statement read.
The party called on President Tinubu to reverse the declaration immediately and urged the National Assembly to reject what it described as a “presidential coup against a constitutionally elected government.”
In its concluding remarks, the NNPP urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against any government actions that could threaten democracy. It emphasized the need to safeguard the country’s democratic gains against impunity and ill-advised policies.
