- Safiu Kehinde
Former Minister of Finance, Sen. Nenadi Usman, has described President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all member of the state Assembly as an imposition of authoritarian measures.
While condemning the suspension in a statement issued on her official X handle on Wednesday, Nenadi stressed that the action represents a blatant subversion of democratic principles and an affront to Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
She further stated that the suspension of the elected officials undermined the rights of the people of Rivers State and sets a dangerous precedence.
Though admitting to the legitimacy of the state of emergency declaration, the ex-lawmaker maintained that addressing such issues requires adherence to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, and collaboration with state government —not the imposition of authoritarian measures.
She, however, urged Tinubu to retract the declaration and reinstate the suspended officials.
The statement read in part; “Today, I join all well- meaning Nigerians to unequivocally condemn President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
“This action represents a blatant subversion of democratic principles and an affront to the constitutional framework that underpins our nation’s democracy.
“The suspension of duly elected officials undermines the rights of the people of Rivers State and sets a dangerous precedence.
“While concerns regarding pipeline vandalism and political unrest are legitimate, the federal government’s unconstitutional and heavy-handed approach is not the best way out.
“Addressing such issues requires adherence to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, and collaboration with state government —not the imposition of authoritarian measures.
“I wish to call on the federal government to rescind this undemocratic declaration, reinstate the suspended officials, and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issues in Rivers State.
“Nigeria’s democracy has been hard-earned through the sacrifices of countless individuals. We must not allow it to be compromised by actions that contravene the very principles we strive to uphold.”