By Titilope Adako

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, insisting that the move is unconstitutional.

KoikiaMedia recalls that Tinubu had on Tuesday declared the emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.

Makinde, in the latest edition of his biweekly newsletter The Business of Governance Issue 110, published on Thursday evening, described the action as a violation of democratic principles and called on Nigerians to reject it.

The governor said, “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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

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