Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Similayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected lawmakers, calling it a threat to democracy.
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Daily News 24 reports that in a Facebook post on Thursday, the former Kano State governor described the move as unconstitutional. “At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state,” he wrote.
He also faulted the National Assembly for swiftly endorsing Tinubu’s proclamation without due process. “The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote is not consistent with proper procedures and transparency,” he said.
Kwankwaso cautioned against involving the military in governance, warning that it could reverse Nigeria’s democratic gains. “The decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in our 26 years of democratic journey,” he noted.
He urged the judiciary to uphold fairness in resolving political conflicts, emphasizing that the situation in Rivers State does not justify invoking Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution. “This action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” he warned.
Kwankwaso called on democratic institutions to resist actions that undermine democracy, urging Tinubu to respect constitutional principles and avoid decisions that could destabilize the country.
