Atiku, Opposition Rejects Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers

Abuja, Nigeria — A coalition of opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, March 20, key opposition figures, including former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and representatives from the Labour Party (LP), denounced the move as unconstitutional and called for its immediate reversal.

President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, citing escalating political tensions. As part of the directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire state House of Assembly were suspended for six months. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the sole administrator and was officially sworn in at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19.

Opposition leaders, however, argued that Tinubu’s action misinterpreted constitutional provisions, asserting that the decision lacked legal backing. They urged the National Assembly to reject the emergency declaration and called on the judiciary to swiftly overturn the directive.

“Nigerians must rise to protect democracy,” the coalition asserted, urging civil society organizations and citizens to resist any attempts to subvert democratic processes. The opposition leaders also warned against political interference in the Niger Delta, emphasizing that the region’s fragile stability should not be disrupted.

“The Niger Delta has a history of unrest. The Federal Government must not manufacture a crisis that could destabilize the region,” they cautioned.

Despite widespread criticism, the Federal Government defended President Tinubu’s decision. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, argued that the emergency rule was, in fact, a protective measure for Governor Fubara.

“If the impeachment had proceeded, the governor and his deputy would have been completely removed from office. This intervention prevented that outcome,” Fagbemi explained.

With growing tensions surrounding the declaration, political analysts warn that Tinubu’s action could set a dangerous precedent for handling state-level disputes in Nigeria.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | March 21, 2025