Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has strongly condemned the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an illegal suspension of democracy that all well-meaning Nigerians must oppose.
In his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, published on Thursday evening, Makinde expressed dismay over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
The president had also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator for Rivers State.
“I stand today to say that the declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose,” Makinde stated.
He emphasized that democratic principles must be upheld at all times, regardless of personal sentiments or political affiliations.
“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice,” the governor said.
Makinde called on Nigerians to speak out against actions that threaten the nation’s democratic development, insisting that standing for what is right often requires standing alone.
“As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation. We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone,” he added.
The governor also praised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for showing leadership and strength in the face of the crisis.
He said, “I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. Yesterday (Wednesday), the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a Court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.”
