The SMBLF condemned President Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State, viewing it as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy. They criticized the lack of investigation into claims against Governor Fubara and warned against the culture of political intolerance. The group called for the National Assembly to overturn the decision, fearing it could lead Nigeria toward a one-party state.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The SMBLF deemed this action unconstitutional and expressed concern over the potential drift towards a one-party state under Tinubu’s administration.
In their statement, signed by leaders from various groups including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Pan Niger-Delta Forum, the SMBLF described the President’s justification for the emergency declaration as “flimsy”. They highlighted the lack of investigation into alleged threats from militants and condemned the termination of a democratically elected government.
The SMBLF argued that the grounds for the takeover reflect a dangerous pattern of political intolerance. They pointed out that the Nigerian constitution does not empower the Federal Government to control states, reiterating that Section 305 (5), cited by the President, does not permit removal of a sitting governor.
They urged the Rivers State populace and the Niger Delta region to remain peaceful, rejecting violence in response to the situation. The SMBLF stressed that recent actions may represent a calculated effort to consolidate power rather than address governance issues.
The group referred to Section 11 (4) of the Constitution, which allows federal intervention only when a state legislature is incapacitated, emphasizing that this does not authorize the removal of elected officials. They noted the dysfunction within the Rivers State Assembly was partially due to defections to the President’s party, which remains under litigation.
The SMBLF contrasted Tinubu’s actions with former President Goodluck Jonathan’s approach in 2013, where he declared emergencies without dismantling democratic institutions. They accused Tinubu of misplacing blame on Governor Fubara for security failures that fall within federal jurisdiction.
The statement asserted that the President’s decision to install a military administrator rather than uphold elected governance interferes with democracy, essentially benefiting former Governor Nyesom Wike. The SMBLF called on the National Assembly to utilize its authority, particularly under Section 305, to counteract what they labeled as a “despotic and ominous” decision.
They urged legislative intervention to prevent a recurrence of Nigeria’s historical errors concerning governance and democracy, emphasizing the urgency of protecting democratic structures.
In summary, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum vehemently opposes President Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State, viewing it as unconstitutional and detrimental to democracy. Their concerns revolve around the potential for intensified political intolerance and a shift towards a one-party state. Calling for legislative action, the SMBLF aims to safeguard democratic governance and counter what they interpret as an alarming trend in Nigerian politics.
Original Source: punchng.com
