Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political unrest. Atiku claims this reflects poor leadership and political manipulation, holding Tinubu responsible for the turmoil and security breaches in the region. He emphasizes the need for accountability and proper governance in the Niger Delta.
In a recent statement, Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State amidst a political crisis that resulted in the bombing of pipeline infrastructure. Atiku characterized this action as politically manipulative and indicative of bad faith by the president.
Atiku attributed the ongoing crisis in Rivers to Tinubu’s involvement, labeling him a “partisan actor” in the state’s turmoil. His comments emerged after Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other officials following a nationwide address on March 18, 2025, where he expressed concern for the governance situation in Rivers.
President Tinubu stated, “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers… No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance… it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.” He announced the suspension of Governor Fubara as part of these efforts.
In response, Atiku condemned the president’s inaction, asserting that it is disgraceful for Tinubu not to have intervened to prevent the crisis from escalating. He remarked, “Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers.”
Atiku further emphasized that the recent security breaches leading to the destruction of national infrastructure should be attributed to the president’s failure to act. He argued that the current unrest in the Niger Delta, following years of stability, is an indictment of Tinubu’s leadership, stating, “It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability.”
Finally, Atiku urged for accountability, declaring that if federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, it is the president who ultimately bears the responsibility. He described the punishment of the people of Rivers State due to political maneuvers as an affront to democracy that should be strongly condemned.
In summary, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent state of emergency declaration in Rivers State, contending that it reflects political manipulation and negligence. He highlights the president’s role as a contributor to the crisis and calls for accountability, stressing the need for responsible governance in the Niger Delta. Atiku’s statements underline the ongoing concerns regarding political stability and infrastructure safety in Nigeria.
Original Source: allafrica.com
