Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has strongly opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd) was then appointed as the Sole Administrator for Rivers State.
In his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, published on Thursday evening, Makinde described the move as an illegal act that should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.
“I stand today to say that the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State 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.
“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity, and justice.
“As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation. We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone,” Makinde stated.
The governor also commended his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for taking action against the decision.
“I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. Yesterday (Wednesday), the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a Court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.”
