At this phase of our national life, it is imperative that civil society organisations, opposition parties and well-meaning Nigerians continue to challenge this reckless abuse of power being witnessed. Tinubu’s action, most especially the recklessness going on in Rivers State, must not be excused or allowed to stand, as they undermine the foundational principles of democracy and governance. As a matter of fact, every legal avenue should be explored to address the abnormality and prevent further assaults on constitutional order.
History has shown that unchecked power leads to authoritarianism. Nigerians must, however, take this moment seriously, recognising it as a crucial test of the nation’s democratic resilience. The battle for Rivers State is not just about one governor; it is about the sanctity of governance and the rule of law. If allowed to persist, this act will embolden future leaders to trample on democratic institutions with impunity.
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Democracy is obviously undergoing a test with the experiment going on in Rivers State. But will this autocratic leader be able to subvert democratic institutions or be constrained by them? This is a question every well-meaning Nigerian should ask. However, the responsibility lies with us as a people to ensure that this blatant abuse of power is not normalised. I submitted in my intervention to the declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers that “a dangerous precedent is being set, and it must be resisted at all costs”.
As if I were a prophet, I declared that “the coming days will reveal whether Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy or slips further into executive lawlessness.” Meanwhile, it appears that Nigerian people are open to authoritarian appeals, which is why democracy is under serious assault in the country without reprimand.
Indeed, it is being revealed to us that constitutional democracy is being eroded in the country with the recent pronouncements and actions of the Rivers State military administrator. In fact, he has furthered the cause of subversion of democracy. Despite the fact that Tinubu is replicating Obasanjo’s unconstitutional removal of Plateau Governor under a State of Emergency, many people, for political correctness, still defend Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State without presenting a compelling argument to justify it.
For reference, the military administrator of Rivers State and his admirers must be reminded of the exact words of the president in his broadcast wherein he made the appointment of Ibas. The President proclaimed that “the Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”
It is important for Nigerians to note the caveat which mandates that such regulations must be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the State. The implication is that the administrator is a mere figure in Rivers State who does not possess real power without being sanctioned by the president.
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However, the military administrator has made some pronouncements which I am convinced were not sanctioned by the FEC. Such instances are his cancellation of procurement processes, suspension of the State Independent Electoral Commission and Governing Council of Tertiary Institutions, and appointment of Local Government administrators. He has also unveiled his intention of usurping the power of the governor by presenting a budget. Even if the aforementioned were sanctioned by the FEC, it is an overreach.
The National Assembly, as exemplified by the statement of the House of Representatives, must take a principled stand by calling the military administrator of Rivers State to order. As a matter of fact, emergency rule in Rivers State must be reversed with immediate effect.
Kazeem Olalekan Israel writes from Ibadan, Nigeria.
