Presidency Defends Emergency Rule in Rivers Amid Criticism

The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as the right course of action despite criticism from former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.  

President Jonathan had warned that suspending democratic institutions could damage Nigeria’s international standing, calling it a ‘clear abuse of power by all actors.’ Professor Soyinka, meanwhile, argued that the move undermines federalism and concentrates excessive power in the presidency.  

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Responding in a statement on Sunday, presidential aide Mr Temitope Ajayi dismissed their concerns as personal opinions, insisting that the decision was necessary. He maintained that the government acted in the best interests of stability and governance in the state.  

The declaration of emergency rule has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning its constitutional implications and supporters arguing that it was required to address the political crisis in Rivers.