AAC Condemns Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration as Attack on Democracy
The African Action Congress has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, denouncing it as an attack on democracy and a display of hypocrisy. The party emphasized the need for vigilance among Nigerians against any military-style governance, citing concerns about ongoing political instability and the undermining of judicial authority in the state.
The African Action Congress (AAC) has publicly denounced President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, characterizing it as an affront to democracy and a strategic move to dismantle constitutional governance. The opposition party’s statement emphatically labeled the act a “coup staged against Nigerians,” underscoring concerns over its implications for democratic principles in Nigeria.
In a release signed by Femi Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of the AAC, the party described the emergency declaration as cowardly and unpresidential, warning of the dangers it poses to the rule of law. “This malicious move is yet another evidence of the terrible rulership by Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement asserted, highlighting the deteriorating state of governance in Rivers.
The AAC argued that Tinubu’s actions evaporated the authority of the judiciary, as prior legal proceedings had already addressed the Rivers State crisis. They contended that his declaration demonstrated a blatant disregard for due process, stating, “The declaration by the Tinubu regime rubbishes the potency of the rule of law.”
Furthermore, the party criticized Tinubu’s perceived hypocrisy, recalling his condemnation of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s similar actions in 2013 as evidence of a double standard. The AAC indicated that forthcoming evaluations by international observers might view Tinubu’s recent decisions as indicators of dictatorial governance, saying, “We are worried that the ‘Boy Scouts’ in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso would be having a good laugh tonight.”
The statement also held both Tinubu and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike accountable for the unrest in Rivers State, denouncing the president’s failure to maintain order. The AAC reaffirmed its rejection of the emergency declaration, urging Nigerians to stand against any governmental imposition resembling military rule, while calling for vigilance against potential governmental overreach.
Additionally, the declaration of the state of emergency involved the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other state officials. President Tinubu justified this decision through concerns about security, vandalism of oil pipelines, and the political situation in Rivers, blaming Fubara for failing to restore legislative order in the state. This contentious political backdrop stems from a historical power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, exacerbated by defections among lawmakers.
The African Action Congress has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a severe attack on democracy and the rule of law. The party’s critique highlights issues of hypocrisy and governance failure, urging vigilance among the populace against military-style rule. As the political turmoil in Rivers State unfolds, the actions of Tinubu’s administration reflect deeper concerns over constitutional integrity in Nigeria.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
