Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials in Rivers State, describing it as a violation of democratic principles.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, El-Rufai labeled the move “wanton aggression against democratic tenets and the rule of law.”

“A Dangerous Precedent”

While acknowledging the security challenges in Rivers, El-Rufai argued that declaring a state of emergency should not lead to the removal of elected officials.

“There are things that are so clearly wrong that the justifications summoned in their defense fall flat. The decision of Mr. President to suspend elected officials in Rivers State is one of those,” he stated.

The former governor stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution does not empower the President to sack state-elected officials, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic federalism.

“The responsibilities of a president are heavy and extensive, but they are constrained by the Constitution and the law and certainly do not include firing persons who were elected,” he added.

Cites Supreme Court Precedent

El-Rufai further referenced a past Supreme Court ruling in Dariye vs. Attorney General of the Federation, which declared the suspension of elected officials unconstitutional.

“Extending the provisions of an emergency regime to include the dismantling of democratic structures is a wanton aggression against democratic tenets and the rule of law,” he said.

He urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision, cautioning against setting a precedent that could erode democracy.

“Tinubu Once Opposed Emergency Rule”

The former minister also reminded Tinubu of his stance in 2013, when the then-opposition leader condemned President Goodluck Jonathan’s emergency rule in the North-East—a decision that, unlike the current situation, did not involve removing elected officials.

“As an opposition figure, Senator Bola Tinubu made his voice heard against Jonathan’s emergency rule. A similar reconsideration is warranted now to avoid damaging the people of Rivers State and restore compliance with the Constitution,” he said.

Calls for Nationwide Opposition

El-Rufai called on Nigerians, lawmakers, and democratic institutions to reject the emergency rule in Rivers, warning that it mirrors the 1962 Western Region crisis that preceded political instability.

“Let us not keep silent while the slippery slope of emergency rule unfolds before our very eyes. I appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to join in calling for an end to this gross violation of the Constitution,” he declared.

With growing resistance from political leaders, governors, and legal experts, the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State continues to escalate.