Former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has criticized the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement posted on X, Kwankwaso warned that the action sets a dangerous precedent and brings the military uncomfortably close to political power.
“I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy and all elected state legislators from office.
“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors,” he stated.
He also condemned the National Assembly for quickly endorsing the president’s proclamation, arguing that the legislature failed in its duty to check executive overreach.
His words: “More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality.
“The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency.”
The former presidential candidate urged the judiciary to play its role in upholding constitutional order, calling on legal institutions to remain impartial and resist external influence.
He said: “Our judiciary also has the very important task of balancing the balance of power by being fair to all parties in any conflict. I believe that the custodians of the Law in Nigeria need to wake up to their responsibility of calming nerves by being as just as possible, with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence.”
