The declared state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has generated significant unrest and legal criticism, drawing comparisons to military regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Observers express concern over the potential implications for democracy and stability in Nigeria, particularly regarding foreign investment amidst ongoing political turmoil.
Currently, tensions in Nigeria seem heightened, particularly in Rivers State, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency. This decision entailed suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly. Many Nigerians are questioning whether their nation is veering towards the path of military juntas seen in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Legal experts, notably the Nigerian Bar Association, have criticized the President’s actions as unconstitutional, arguing that it is illegal to suspend a democratically elected government over internal political disagreements. The installation of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state administrator further raised concerns about the undemocratic nature of such decisions.
There is a strong belief that internal crises should be resolved politically rather than through military intervention. Many citizens recall how the Nigerian government condemned the military overthrows in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso last year, emphasizing the need to uphold democracy against military coups.
The juntas in these West African nations justified their actions by claiming that former civilian leaders served Western interests and neglected their countries’ welfare. Despite this, ECOWAS, led by President Tinubu, remains insistent on a return to civil governance.
Niger’s military government recently claimed enormous revenue increases from exploiting mineral resources after expelling international companies; they argue their predecessors colluded with foreign interests at their country’s expense. Yet, ECOWAS’s stance denounces ousting civilian governments, stressing the need for democratic governance in the region.
Although ECOWAS threatened repercussions against military regimes, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso chose to suspend their membership within the group following their ousters from power by military leaders. This situation raises alarms regarding Nigeria’s own political landscape.
Many observers believe that the President’s state of emergency might exacerbate political tensions rather than pacify them. The lack of reference to Nyesom Wike—an influential figure in the ongoing crisis—further complicates the matter, highlighting the potential for continued unrest in Rivers State.
The recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Tinubu has ignited significant controversy and raised concerns about the trajectory of Nigeria’s governance. Legal experts decry the suspension of a democratically elected government, warning against undermining political processes. As Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso face their own challenges of military rule versus civilian governance, Nigeria’s actions seem contradictory. The stability of Rivers State is crucial for attracting foreign investment and maintaining economic growth, as continued political turbulence could impede progress and destabilize the region further.
Original Source: businessday.ng
