Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticizes President Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State amid ongoing political crises. He attributes the turmoil to Tinubu’s partisanship and negligence, stating that the president is accountable for the recent unrest and infrastructure damage. Atiku condemns the political motivations behind the emergency declaration as harmful to democracy and calls for accountability.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. This declaration followed a protracted political crisis characterized by the bombing of pipeline infrastructure in the region, which Atiku perceives as a manifestation of political manipulation and bad faith. He attributed the unfolding crisis in Rivers directly to the president, suggesting that Tinubu has acted as a partisan contributor to the turmoil.
Atiku made his remarks via social media shortly after President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly on March 18, 2025. In his broadcast, Tinubu expressed concern over the stagnation in Rivers and justified the emergency declaration as a necessary step to restore governance and peace, stating that previous interventions had failed to bring about change.
In response, Atiku deemed the president’s inaction in stemming the crisis as disgraceful, noting that observant individuals recognize Tinubu’s partisan role in the ongoing political strife. He accused the administration of negligence in preventing the escalation of violence, remarking that security breaches resulting in infrastructure damage should be attributed to the president’s lack of control.
He further emphasized that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Niger Delta region has regressed to a state of unrest, obfuscating years of peace efforts championed by former President Umaru Yar’Adua. According to Atiku, the president holds sole responsibility for the violence and disruption in Rivers, and he condemned the punishment of the state’s residents as an affront to democratic principles, labeling it unacceptable.
Atiku urged that the dynamics of political gains should not override the principles of governance and stability, especially when it entails harm to the citizens of Rivers State. He insists that the current circumstances should catalyze a candid reassessment of the governance strategies aimed at safeguarding peace in the region.
In summary, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed profound disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He underscored the necessity of accountability for governmental actions that have exacerbated political and security crises in the region. Atiku’s critiques highlight the potential ramifications of political maneuvering on regional stability and the importance of prioritizing the welfare of citizens over partisan interests.
Original Source: allafrica.com
