Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency rule, suspending Governor Similayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly for six months. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as Sole Administrator.
In his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance (Issue 110), published Thursday evening, Makinde called on Nigerians to oppose the decision, warning that it threatens democratic governance.
“I stand today to say that the declaration of a 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,” he stated.
Makinde stressed the need to uphold democratic principles, urging Nigerians to resist actions that could undermine the nation’s democratic progress.
“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,” he added.
The governor also commended his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for its firm stance on the matter. He disclosed that the PDP Governors’ Forum, during an emergency meeting on Wednesday, unanimously resolved to challenge the president’s decision in court.
“We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we have built for almost three decades be trampled upon,” Makinde said.
